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AIM: To investigate the effects of exercise preconditioning （EP） combined with electroacupuncture（ EA） on learning and memory ability of rats with vascular dementia（ VD）, and to explore role of hippocampal ferroptosis in this process. METHODS: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into non-EP group and EP group, with 36 rats in each group. The rats were subjected to EP, and subsequently to establish the VD model. The rats from non-EP group were randomly divided into sham group, model group （VD group） and VD-EA group, each with 12 rats, while those in EP group were randomly divided into EP-sham group, EP-VD group and EP-VD-EA group, each with 12 rats. All rats in EP group underwent 4 weeks of swimming exercise training, 5 d per week, 30 min per day. At the end of the 4th week, the rats in VD, EP-VD, EP-VD-EA and VD-EA groups were used to induce the VD model, and the rats in sham and EP-sham groups received a sham surgery to simulate the VD model. On the 7th day after successful modeling, the rats in EP-VD-EA and VD-EA groups were treated with EA for 4 weeks, 6 d per week, 30 min per day. At the end of the intervention, the learning and memory ability of the rats was evaluated using Morris water maze. Neuron morphology in the CA1 area of rat hippocampus was observed through Nissl staining. Ferrous ion （Fe2+）, malondialdehyde （MDA） and reduced glutathione（ GSH） contents in the rat hippocampal tissues were quantified using the colorimetric assay. The expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2（ Nrf2） and glutathione peroxidase 4（ GPX4）, in the hippocampal tissues were quantified by Western blot method. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the rats in VD group exhibited longer mean evasion latency and decreased number of traversals across the plateau （P<0. 01）. The neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were loose and disorganized, exhibiting an irregular cellular morphology. The hippocampal Fe2+ and MDA content was elevated, and the GSH content was reduced （P<0. 01）. The protein levels of hippocampal Nrf2 and GPX4 were decreased （P<0. 01）. Compared with VD group, the rats in EP-VD, EP-VD-EA and VD-EA groups showed a shorter average escape latency and an increased number of traversals across the plateau （P< 0. 05）. Neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area were more neatly arranged, showing regular cellular morphology. The hippocampal Fe2+ and MDA contents of the rats in EP-VD group were significantly reduced（P<0. 01）, while the GSH content was elevated （P<0. 05）. Hippocampal Fe2+ and MDA contents were significantly reduced and GSH contents were significantly increased in EP-EA and EA groups （P<0. 01）. The protein levels of hippocampal Nrf2 and GPX4 in EP-VD, EPVD-EA and VD-EA groups were significantly increased （P<0. 01）. CONCLUSION: Exercise preconditioning combined with EA improves learning and memory ability in VD rats by reducing hippocampal intra-neuronal iron overload, maintaining organismal redox homeostasis, and inhibiting ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: β-amyloid protein and Tau protein have adverse effects on the cognitive function of Alzheimer’s disease patients, and Notch1 and Caspase-3 can regulate the expression of β-amyloid protein and Tau protein. It is not clear whether Notch1 and Caspase-3 mediate the process of aerobic exercise to improve the cognitive ability of Alzheimer’s disease patients. At present, there is a lack of studies on the effect of long-term aerobic exercise on the expression of Notch1 and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease mice. OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of Notch1 and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease mice undergoing long-term aerobic exercise and to investigate the effects of Notch1 and Caspase-3 in Alzheimer’s disease mice. METHODS: Wild type and APP/PS1 double-transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mice aged 3 months were randomly divided into four groups: wild control group, wild exercise group, Alzheimer’s disease control group and Alzheimer’s disease exercise group, with 20 mice in each group. Mice in the control groups were not subjected to exercise, while those in the exercise groups received aerobic exercise intervention for 5 months. After the exercise intervention, Morris water maze was used to detect the spatial learning and memory ability of mice. Real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and western blot were used to detect the expressions of Aβ1-42, Tau, Notch1 and Caspase-3 in the hippocampal tissues of mice in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The spatial learning and memory ability of Alzheimer’s mice was significantly worse than that of wild-type mice (P < 0.05). The spatial learning and memory ability of mice in the exercise groups were significantly better than that in the corresponding control groups (P < 0.05). The expressions of Aβ1-42, Tau, Notch1 and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus were significantly higher in the Alzheimer’s disease control group than the wild control group (P < 0.05) and were significantly lower in the Alzheimer’s disease exercise group than the Alzheimer’s disease control group (P < 0.05). To conclude, longterm aerobic exercise can improve the spatial learning and memory ability of Alzheimer’s disease mice, which may be related to the decreased expression of Notch1, Caspase-3, Aβ1-42 and Tau protein in the hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Chinese Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine / Zhongguo Yufang Shouyi Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To investigate the mechanism of IGF2/JAK2/STAT3 on learning and memory impairment induced by aluminum maltol in rats. Methods A total of 32 SD rats were divided into normal saline control group and low, medium and high maltol aluminum exposure groups (10, 20 and 40 µmol/kg) by random number table, respectively, and intraperitoneally injected every other day for three months. After exposure, Morris water maze was applied to examine the learning and memory ability of rats, and HE staining was used to check the arrangement of hippocampal neurons. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was applied to detect the relative expression level of IGF2 mRNA in hippocampus of rats. Western Blotting was used for detecting the relative protein expression levels of Cleaved Caspase3, IGF2, p-JAK2 (Tyrl007/1008), and p-STAT3 (Ser727) in the hippocampus of rats. Results With the increase of aluminum dose, the escape latency of rats in the same day was prolonged, and the residence time in the target quadrant and the times of crossing the platform were gradually reduced (F = 7. 900, P = 0.001; F = 6.693, P = 0.002) . HE staining results showed that the number of neurons in CA1 region of hippocampus gradually decreased and the arrangement of neurons was obviously loose with the increase of aluminum dose (F = 25. 947, P < 0.001) . With increasing aluminum dose, apoptosis-associated protein Bel-2 levels decreased gradually (F = 83. 235, P < 0.001), Bax (F = 153. 189, P < 0.001) and Cleaved Caspase3 (F = 11.636, P < 0.01) levels was gradually increased, and the relative expression levels of IGF2 mRNA and IGF2, p-JAK2 (Tyr1007/1008), p-STAT3 (Ser727) proteins decreased gradually with the increase of aluminum dose (F = 18. 423, P < 0.001; F = 11.072, P = 0.001; F = 55. 161, P < 0.001; F = 10.481, P = 0.001). Conclusion Aluminum maltol can induce cell apoptosis by inhibiting IGF2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which could damage the learning and memory ability of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Exercise improves Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and age-related cognitive abilities. A potential mediator between exercise and these health benefits may be adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore whether and how exercise affects the adult hippocampal neurogenesis process in Alzheimer’s disease mice. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of aerobic exercise on adult hippocampal neurogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease mice, and to explore whether aerobic exercise can promote their adult hippocampal neurogenesis. METHODS: Three-month-old wild-type (C57BL/6Jnju) and APP/PS1 double transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mice were randomly divided into four groups: wild control group, wild exercise group, Alzheimer’s disease control group and Alzheimer’s disease exercise group, with 20 mice in each group. The control group did not do exercise, and the exercise group did aerobic exercise for 5 months. After exercise intervention, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and western blot assay were used to detect the expression levels of DCX, Ki67, βIII-tubulin and NeuN in the hippocampal tissue of mice in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The expressions of DCX, βIII-tubulin and NeuN in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in the Alzheimer’s disease control group were significantly lower than those in the wild control group (P < 0.05). The expressions of DCX, Ki67, βIII-tubulin and NeuN were significantly higher in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in the Alzheimer’s disease exercise group than those in the Alzheimer’s disease control group (P < 0.05). It is indicated that longterm aerobic exercise intervention can strengthen the proliferation, migration and differentiation of neurons during adult hippocampal neurogenesis and significantly increase the number of neuronal precursor cells and new neurons in Alzheimer’s disease mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active physical exercise can effectively alleviate the pathological process of chronic cerebral ischemia (CCH) and improve learning and memory ability. This paper reviews the possible biological mechanisms of aerobic exercise to delay the pathological process of chronic cerebral ischemia and improve learning and memory. Previous studies have found that aerobic exercise can improve the neuroprotective effect, enhance the plasticity of hippocampal synapses, improve the activity of the upper and lower pathways of hippocampal tissue, and improve learning and memory ability. However, the intervention effect of aerobic exercise on chronic cerebral ischemia should be fully considered at the intervention time, and the intervention effect is also different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundFormaldehyde and benzene homologues are common environmental pollutants, and their neurotoxicity has aroused widespread concern.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of taurine on cognitive impairment after exposure to formaldehyde and benzene analogues in young rats.MethodsTwenty four-week old SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, with six rats in each group: control group (clean air), model group (5 mg·m−3 formaldehyde + 5 mg·m−3 benzene + 10 mg·m−3 toluene + 10 mg·m−3 xylene), low-dose taurine intervention group (5 g·L−1 taurine + mixture of formaldehyde and benzene analogues), and high-dose taurine intervention group (10 g·L−1 taurine + formaldehyde and mixture of benzene analogues), and the exposure was administered by oral and nasal aerosol inhalation for 28 d. At the end of exposure, the learning and memory ability of rats in each group was measured by Morris water maze test. After the behavioral test, the rats were anesthetized and neutralized, and the brain tissue was harvested for histopathological and molecular biological tests. The apoptosis rate of neurons in hippocampal CA1 area was detected by Tunel assay, and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins such as caspase 3, bax, and bcl-2 in hippocampal tissue were detected by Western blotting.ResultsThe growth and development of rats in each group were good during inhalation. During the Morris water maze experiment, the escape latencies of rats in the taurine intervention groups were not different from that in the control group (P>0.05) from day 3 to day 5 of training, while the escape latency of rats in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P 0.05), while the two variables in the model group and low-dose taurine intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P 0.05). The expression levels of caspase 3 and bax in the model group were higher than those in the control group and low-dose or high-dose taurine intervention groups (P

This research adopted the D-galactose induced senility mice as the research object, under the condition of constant energy control, different protein content of feeding groups was designed. Mice were under dietary intervention for 8 weeks, by analyzing the Morris water maze data, brain tissue slice and liver tissue antioxidant capacity to explore the anti-aging effect of protein nutrition in Guangxi longevity dietary patterns. The results showed that: Compared with the high (P/C=1/2), medium (P/C=1/3) and low (P/C=1/5) protein diet groups, the escape latency of mice in P/C=1/4 (protein/carbohydrate) group significantly decreased (P P/C=1/5 group > P/C=1/3 group > young control group > P/C=1/2 group > aging control group. In summary, mice in P/C=1/4 low-protein diet group can effectively resist the senior-induced injury of D-galactose, and maintain strong learning and memory ability and antioxidant ability, thus showing strong anti-aging effect. The results of this study would provide a theoretical basis for the relationship between dietary protein nutrition and health as well as longevity.

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Copyright of Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics is the property of Xiangya Medical Periodical Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: To observe the effect of simulated repeated transcranial acupuncture (rTAS) on learning and memory abilities and cerebral microvascular flow in vascular dementia (VD) model rats, so as to explore the potential mechanism of rTAS in treating VD., Methods: Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal, model, acupuncture and rTAS groups ( n =8 rats in each group). The VD model was established by permanent ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries. For rats of the acupuncture group, "Baihui" (GV20) and "Shenting" (GV24) were needled, and for rats of the rTAS group, GV20 and GV24 were stimulated by simulated repeated transcranial manipulation (200 r/min, for 5 min). The treatment was conducted once daily for 14 days. After the intervention, learning and memory abilities were evaluated using the Morris water maze test. Laser speckle technology was used to measure the average cerebral microvascular flow. ELISA was performed to measure the contents of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the hippocampal tissues., Results: In comparison with the normal group, the escape latency of rats in the model group was prolonged ( P <0.01), and the times of crossing the platform were decreased ( P <0.01). The average cerebral microvascular flow and the VEGF content in the hippocampus were significantly decreased, while the contents of NO, iNOS, and ET-1 were significantly increased ( P <0.01). In comparison with the model group, the escape latency was significantly shortened ( P <0.01), the average cerebral microvascular flow and VEGF content in the hippocampus were significantly increased ( P <0.05, P <0.01), while contents of iNOS were significantly decreased ( P <0.05, P <0.01) in both acupuncture and rTAS groups；and the times of crossing the platform were increased ( P <0.01), the contents of NO and ET-1 in hippocampus were significantly decreased ( P <0.01) in the rTAS group. The effects of rTAS were significantly superior to those of acupuncture in up-regulating the average cerebral microvascular flow ( P <0.05) and VEGF content ( P <0.01), and down-regulating the NO, iNOS and ET-1 contents ( P <0.01, P <0.05)., Conclusions: rTAS can increase cerebral microvascular flow, improve spatial cognition and enhance learning and memory abilities of VD rats. The underlying mechanism may be involved in promoting angiogenesis, improving endothelial function and mitigating oxidative stress.

Objective:To explore the effects of electro-acupuncture at Changqiang acupoint on the BDNF protein expression in hippocampal CA3 region in rats with autism.Methods:Autism rat model was made by intraperitoneal injection of pregnant rats with valproate sodium (VPA).A total of 24 autism rats were divided into model group, Changqiang group and non-acupoint group, with 8 rats in each group;8 normal litter mate rat were used as blank group. The Changqiang group acupuncture Changqiang point 0.3 inch, using 0.5 inch homemade bipolar conjoined needle, electro-acupuncture 20 min,20 days a course of treatment; The non-acupoint group adopts the same method as the Changqiang group except the acupoints are different; The blank group and model group were kept under the same condition. Rats were weighed at different time points after birth (PN7,PN14,PN23 and PN34),using Morris water maze to evaluate learning and memory ability of rats, and using immunohistochemical to evaluate BDNF protein expression in hippocampal CA3 area of rats.Results:1. Weight: At PN34, weight of Changqiang group was higher than the model group (PP>0.05).2. Morris sater maze: Compared with the blank group, average latency time of the model group was significantly prolonged, quadrant swimming time/total time of the original platform decreased significantly, with statistically significant difference (PPP>0.05). 3. Immunohistochemistry: Compared with the blank group, the mean gray value of BDNF protein in model group increased significantly, with statistically significant differences (PPP>0.05).Conclusion:Electro-acupuncture at Changqiang acupoint can increase the expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampus CA3 region of autistic rats, and improving the growth, development and learning and memory abilities of autistic rats.

Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of butylphthalide on learning and memory ability of rats with ischemic stroke, and the regulation of butylphthalide on 5-HT1A receptor and PKA signaling pathway in hippocampus of rats. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group and a butylphthalide group (n=15). A model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was established in rats in the butylphthalide group, and the rats were administrated orally with butylphthalide at a dose of 60 mg / kg per day for 2 weeks. The sham group and the model group were administered orally with equal volume of corn oil for 2 weeks. After the treatment, neurological deficit assessment and Morris water maze test were performed on each group of rats (n=15). The infarcted area was detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n=15). ELISA was performed to determine PKA kinase activity in hippocampus (n=6). Intracellular [Ca2+] concentration in the hippocampus was measured using a calcium detection kit (n=6). Western blot was used to detect the expression of serotonin (1A) receptor (5-HT1A), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDA1) and 琢-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptor (AMPA1) in hippocampus (n=6). Compared with the model group: the escape latency of rats in the butylphthalide group were significantly reduced, but the number of crossing platforms was greatly increased (P<0.05); the neurologic deficit score and cerebral infarction volume of rats were tremendously reduced (P<0.05); the PKA kinase activity and intracellular [Ca2+] concentration in rats increased dramatically (P<0.05); the relative expression of 5-HT1A protein decreased markedly in rats in the phthalein group, while the phosphorylation level of AMPA1 and NMDA1 increased sharply (P<0.05). Butylphthalide can improve the learning and memory ability of rats with ischemic stroke, and down-regulate the activity of 5-HT1A receptor, and activate the PKA signaling pathway in hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Asian Journals of Ecotoxicology is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To investigate the effect of intraperitoneal injection of naloxone on learning and memory ability and autophagy in hippocampal CAl area of rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods Thirty-six male Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group (sham group), SAH group, and SAH + naloxone group (naloxone group). The rat models of SAH were established by internal carotid artery puncture. In the sham operation group, we only penetrated the core into the skull along the blood vessel, but did not pierce the blood vessel. After successful modeling, the rats in the naloxone group were given naloxone injection (1 m/kg body weight) intraperitoneally, once/ 12 h. The rats in the sham operation group and the SAH group were given an equal amount of normal saline through intraperitoneal injection. At 24 hours after surgery, the shuttle box text was performed, and we compared the times of escape to safe area and the numbers of escape to safe area in the rats of three groups. Then the rats were sacrificed and hippocampus tissues were taken. The nerve cell morphology was observed by HE staining, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the number of Beclin-1 andL C3- II positive cells, and Western blotting to detect the expression of autophagy-specific markers Beclin-1 andL C3- II protein. Results Compared with the sham group, the time of escape to safe area was prolonged (P < 0. 05), and the number of escape to safe area was reduced in the SAH group (P < 0. 05). Compared with the SAH group, the time of escape to safe area was shorter (P < 0. 05), and the number of escape to safe area increased in the naloxone 停oup (P <0. 05) . HE staining showed that compared with the sham group, the number of normal morphology of hippocampal nerve cells decreased in the SAH group (P <0. 05) . Compared with the SAH group, the number of normal morphology of hippocampal nerve cells increased in the naloxone group (P <0. 05) . Compared with the sham group, the number of Beclin-1 and LC3-II positive cells increased in the SAH group ( P < 0. 05) . Compared with the SAH group, Beclin-1 and LC3-II positive cells increased in the naloxone group (all P < 0. 05) . Compared with the sham group, the expression of Beclin- 1 and LO-II protein increased in the SAH group (both P < 0. 05) . Compared with the SAH group, the expression of Beclin- 1 and LO-II protein increased in the naloxone group ( both P <0. 05) . Conclusion Naloxone can improve the learning and memory ab山ty, enhance autophagy in hippocampus of SAH rats, and reduce nerve cell damage in rats [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of intraperitoneal injection of high-dose propofol (PPF) on learning and memory ability of Alzheimer 's disease (AD) model rats and to explore its mechanism. Methods AD model rats were established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (D-gal) and gavage of aluminum trichloride (A1Cl3 ). They were randomly divided into the model group, donepezil group, low-dose PPF group, and high-dose PPF group. AD model rats in the donepezil group was intraperitoneally injected with donepezil, the low-dose PPF group with 50 mg/kg PPF, the high-dose PPF group with 100 mg/kg PPF, and the model group with equal volume of normal saline. Six normal SD rats were selected as the control group. Morris water maze test was used to evaluate learning and memory ability of rats in each group; Western blotting was used to detect β-amyloid protein (Aβ protein) and phosphorylated NF-KB (p- NF-KB) protein in hippocampus of rats in each group; colorimetric method was used to detect AchE activity in hippocampus of rats in each group; ELISA was used to detect IL-1 β, IL-6 and TNF-a protein in hippocampus of rats in each group. Results Compared with the control group, the learning and memory ability decreased, Aβ protein increased, AchE activity increased, p-NF-KB, IL-1β, IL--6 and TNF-a protein levels increased in the model group. Compared with the model group, the learning and memory ability increased, Aβ protein decreased, AchE activity decreased, and the levels of p-NF-KB, IL-1 β, IL- 6, and TNF-a protein decreased in the donepezil group, the low-dose PPF group, and the high-dose PPF group; there was no difference between the high-dose PPF group and donepezil group, and both of them were higher than the low-dose PPF group. Conclusions lntraperitoneal injection of high-dose PPF can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of AD model rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Aβ protein deposition in hippocampus, the enhancement of cholinergic function, the inhibition of NF-KB protein phosphorylation, and the reduction of inflammatory response in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Practical Pharmacy & Clinical Remedies is the property of Editorial Department of Practical Pharmacy & Clinical Remedies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To observe the effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) preconditioning on apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in young and adult rats with sevoflurane inhalation during neonatal period. Methods Sixty neonatal male rats were randomly divided into three group; the sevoflurane group (group S), preconditioning with dexmedetomidine and sevoflurane group (group Dex), and control group (group C), with 20 rats in each group. Rats in the group S were intraperitoneally injected with 3 miykg saline before inhaling sevoflurane for 4 h on day 7, 14 and 21; 20 μg/kg Dex dissolved in 3 mL/kg saline was injected intraperitoneally into animals in the group Dex before 4-hour sevoflurane inhalation at the same time points. Rats in the group C inhaled carrier gas for 4 h after injecting 3 miykg saline. The level of neuronal apoptosis and the expression of cleaved-Caspase-3 in hippocampus were investigated at juvenile (37 days old) and adult period (97 days old). Results At juvenile and adult stage, the number of apoptotic neurons and the expression of cleaved Caspase-3 in the group S were higher than those in the group C and group Dex (both P <0.01). Among the three group, there was no significant difference between juvenile stage and adult stage in terms of the number of apoptotic neurons and the expression of cleaved Caspase-3 (all P >0.05). Conclusion Dex preconditioning can reduce the neuronal apoptosis induced by neonatal sevoflurane inhalation at the juvenile and adult stage, thereby protecting the brain tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of Xingnaojing injection on learning and memory ability and autophagy-related protein expression of hippocampus nerve cells in rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). Methods Thirtysix rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, model group and Xingnaojing group, with 12 rats in each group. The SAH rat models were made by carotid puncture; in the sham operation group, we only penetrated the core into the skull along the blood vessel, but did not pierce the blood vessel. After successful modeling, rats in the Xingnaojing group were given intracerebroventricular injection of Xingnaojing 2 m L, 1 time/12 h; rats in the sham operation group and model group were given the same amount of normal saline. The shuttle box training was performed at 24 h after surgery, and we compared the time of avoidance reaction and the times of avoidance reaction in three groups. Then the rats were sacrificed and hippocampus were taken, we observed the nerve cell morphology by HE staining, using immunohistochemistry to detect the number of Beclin-1 and LC3II positive cells, and Western blotting to detect the expression of autophagy-specific markers Beclin-1 and LC3II protein. Results Compared with the sham operation group, the time of avoidance reaction was prolonged, and the times of avoidance decreased in the model group(both P<0. 05). Compared with the model group, the time of avoidance reaction was shortened, and the times of avoidance increased in the model group(both P <0. 05). Compared with the sham operation group, the number of hippocampal nerve cells with normal morphology decreased in the model group(P<0. 05). Compared with the model group, the number of hippocampal nerve cells with normal morphology increased in the Xingnaojing group(P<0. 05). Compared with the sham operation group, the number of Beclin-1 and LC3II positive cells increased in the model group, and the Xingnaojing group was higher than the model group(all P< 0. 05). Compared with the sham operation group, the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3II protein increased in the model group(both P<0. 05). Compared with the model group, the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3II protein increased in Xingnaojing group(both P<0. 05). Conclusion Xingnaojing can improve the learning and memory ability of SAH rats and protect brain nerve function, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of autophagy-related protein expression in hippocampus of SAH rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) at Changqiang (GV1) acupoint on the learning and memory ability and hippocampal CA1 cellular apoptosis in rats with vascular dementia (VD).Methods:Sixty male SD rats according to the Morris water maze test were divided into three groups: 9 rats for blank control group, 9 rats for sham-operated group and 42 rats for surgical control group. Rats of VD models were established by 2 vessels obstruction (2-VO), 27 rats were selected from the surgical control group and divided into three groups: 9 rats for model group, 9 rats for EA treatment group and rest 9 rats for the non-acupoint EA control group. After the treatment, the water maze test and the TUNEL test were examined.Results:Compared with the model group, the escape latent period and the CA1 apoptosis of the blank control group and the EA treatment group were apparently shorter (PPPP

Ｏｂｊｅｃｔｉｖｅ　Ｔｏ ｏｂｓｅｒｖｅ ｔｈｅ ｌｅａｒｎｉｎｇ ａｎｄ ｍｅｍｏｒｙ ａｂｉｌｉｔｙ ａｎｄ ｓｐａｔｉａｌ ｅｘｐｌｏｒａｔｉｏｎ ａｂｉｌｉｔｙ，ｓｅｒｕｍ ｉｎｆｌａｍｍａｔｏｒｙ ｆａｃｔｏｒｓ，ａｎｄ ｂｒａｉｎ ｔｉｓｓｕｅ ｎｅｕｒｏｅｎｚｙｍｅ ａｃｔｉｖｉｔｙ ｏｆ ＳＤ ｍａｌｅ ｒａｔｓ ａｆｔｅｒ ｄｒｉｎｋｉｎｇ ７２-ｗｅｅｋ Ｍｉａｏ ｍｅｄｉｃｉｎｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｄｅｃｏｃｔｉｏｎ． Ｍｅｔｈｏｄｓ　Ｅｉｇｈｔｅｅｎ ｒａｔｓ ｗｅｒｅ ｄｉｖｉｄｅｄ ｉｎｔｏ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ａｎｄ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗｉｔｈ ６ ｒａｔｓ ｉｎ ｅａｃｈ ｇｒｏｕｐ． Ｒａｔｓ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗｅｒｅ ｆｒｅｅ ｔｏ ｄｒｉｎｋ １２ ｇ／ Ｌ ｏｆ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｄｅｃｏｃｔｉｏｎ ｆｏｒ ７２ ｗｅｅｋｓ （ａｃｃｏｒｄｉｎｇ ｔｏ ７２ ｗｅｅｋｓ ｏｆ ｍｅｄｉ- ｃａｌ ｌａｂｏｒａｔｏｒｙ ｚｏｏｌｏｇｙ，ｗｈｉｃｈ ｉｓ ｅｑｕｉｖａｌｅｎｔ ｔｏ ５０ ｔｏ ５５ ｙｅａｒｓ ｏｌｄ，ｔｈｅ ｏｌｄ ａｇｅ ｏｆ ｒａｔｓ），ｔｈｅ ｒａｔｓ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗｅｒｅ ｆｒｅｅ ｔｏ ｄｒｉｎｋ ｗａｔｅｒ ｆｏｒ ７２ ｗｅｅｋｓ，ｒａｔｓ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗｅｒｅ ｆｒｅｅ ｔｏ ｄｒｉｎｋ ｗａｔｅｒ ｆｏｒ ６ ｗｅｅｋｓ． Ｔｈｅ Ｍｏｒｒｉｓ ｗａｔｅｒ ｍａｚｅ ｔｅｓｔ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｔｏ ｅｖａｌｕａｔｅ ｔｈｅ ｌｅａｒｎｉｎｇ ａｎｄ ｍｅｍｏｒｙ ａｎｄ ｓｐａｃｅ ｅｘｐｌｏｒａｔｉｏｎ ａｂｉｌｉｔｙ ｉｎ ｒａｔｓ． Ｕｓｉｎｇ ｅｎｚｙｍｅ-ｌｉｎｋｅｄ ｉｍｍｕｎｏｓｏｒｂｅｎｔ ａｓｓａｙ ｔｏ ｄｅｔｅｃｔ ｔｈｅ ｓｅｒｕｍ ＩＬ-１，ＩＬ-６，ａｎｄ ａｃｅｔｙｌｃｈｏｌｉｎｅｓｔｅｒａｓｅ ｉｎ ｂｒａｉｎ ｔｉｓｓｕｅ （ＡｃｈＥ）ａｎｄ ｃｈｏｌｉｎｅ ａｃｅｔｙｌｔｒａｎｓｆｅｒａｓｅ （ＣｈＡＴ）ａｃ- ｔｉｖｉｔｙ． Ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ　Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｏｎ ｄａｙ １-４，ｔｈｅ ｗａｔｅｒ ｍａｚｅ ｌａｔｅｎｃｙ ｏｆ ｒａｔｓ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ ａｎｄ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗａｓ ｌｏｎｇ （Ｐ ＜０． ０５）． Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｏｎ ｔｈｅ ４ｔｈ ｄａｙ，ｔｈｅ ｗａｔｅｒ ｍａｚｅ ｌａｔｅｎｃｙ ｏｆ ｒａｔｓ ｗａｓ ｓｈｏｒｔ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ （Ｐ ＜０． ０５）． Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｏｎ ｄａｙ ２-４，ｔｈｅ ｓｗｉｍｍｉｎｇ ｄｉｓｔａｎｃｅ ｏｆ ｒａｔｓ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｓ- ｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ ａｎｄ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗａｓ ｌｏｎｇｅｒ （Ｐ ＜０． ０５）． Ｏｎ ｄａｙ ５，ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｔｈｅ ｔｉｍｅ ｏｆ ｆｉｒｓｔ ｃｒｏｓｓ- ｉｎｇ ｔｈｅ ｐｌａｔｆｏｒｍ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｒａｔｓ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗａｓ ｌｏｎｇｅｒ，ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｎｕｍｂｅｒ ｏｆ ｃｒｏｓｓｉｎｇ ｐｌａｔｆｏｒｍ ｗａｓ ｌｅｓｓ；ｔｈｅ ｔｉｍｅ ｏｆ ｆｉｒｓｔｃｒｏｓｓｉｎｇ ｔｈｅ ｐｌａｔｆｏｒｍ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗａｓ ｌｏｎｇｅｒ，ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｎｕｍｂｅｒ ｏｆ ｃｒｏｓｓｉｎｇ ｐｌａｔｆｏｒｍ ｗａｓ ｌｅｓｓ，ｗｉｔｈ ａ ｓｈｏｒｔｅｒ ｔｉｍｅ ｏｆ ｃｒｏｓｓｉｎｇ ｔｈｅ ｐｌａｔｆｏｒｍ （ａｌｌ Ｐ ＜０． ０５）． Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｏｎ ｔｈｅ ｆｉｆｔｈ ｄａｙ，ｔｈｅ ｔｉｍｅ ｏｆ ｆｉｒｓｔ ｃｒｏｓｓｉｎｇ ｔｈｅ ｐｌａｔ- ｆｏｒｍ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｒａｔｓ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗａｓ ｓｈｏｒｔｅｒ，ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｎｕｍｂｅｒ ｏｆ ｃｒｏｓｓｉｎｇ ｐｌａｔｆｏｒｍ ｗａｓ ｍｏｒｅ （ａｌｌ Ｐ ＜ ０． ０５）． Ｃｏｍ- ｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｔｈｅ ｌｅｖｅｌｓ ｏｆ ｓｅｒｕｍ ＩＬ-１ ａｎｄ ＩＬ-６ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ａｎｄ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐｓ ｗｅｒｅ ｉｎｃｒｅａｓｅｄ （ｂｏｔｈ Ｐ ＜ ０． ０５）． Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｔｈｅ ｌｅｖｅｌｓ ｏｆ ｓｅｒｕｍ ＩＬ-１ ａｎｄ ＩＬ-６ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗｅｒｅ ｌｏｗｅｒ （ｂｏｔｈ Ｐ ＜ ０． ０５）． Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｔｈｅ ａｃｔｉｖｉｔｉｅｓ ｏｆ ＡｃｈＥ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ ａｎｄ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗｅｒｅ ｅｎｈａｎｃｅｄ， ａｎｄ ＣｈＡＴ ａｃｔｉｖｉｔｙ ｗａｓ ｄｅｃｒｅａｓｅｄ （ｂｏｔｈ Ｐ ＜０． ０５）． Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ａｇｉｎｇ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｔｈｅ ａｃｔｉｖｉｔｙ ｏｆ ＡｃｈＥ ｗａｓ ｗｅａｋｅｎｅｄ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ＣｈＡＴ ａｃｔｉｖｉｔｙ ｗａｓ ｉｎｃｒｅａｓｅｄ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｇｒｏｕｐ （ｂｏｔｈ Ｐ ＜ ０． ０５）． Ｃｏｎｃｌｕｓｉｏｎ　Ｔｈｅ ｌｅａｒｎｉｎｇ ａｎｄ ｍｅｍｏｒｙ ａｎｄ ｓｐａｃｅ ｅｘｐｌｏｒａｔｉｏｎ ａｂｉｌｉｔｙ，ｔｈｅ ｌｅｖｅｌ ｏｆ ｓｅｒｕｍ ｉｎｆｌａｍｍａｔｏｒｙ ｆａｃｔｏｒｓ，ａｎｄ ｂｒａｉｎ ｔｉｓｓｕｅ ｎｅｕｒｏｅｎｚｙｍｅ ａｃｔｉｖｉｔｙ ｏｆ ＳＤ ｍａｌｅ ｒａｔｓ ａｆ- ｔｅｒ ｄｒｉｎｋｉｎｇ ７２-ｗｅｅｋ Ｍｉａｏ ｍｅｄｉｃｉｎｅ ａｓｐａｒａｇｕｓ ｄｅｃｏｃｔｉｏｎ ａｒｅ ｉｍｐｒｏｖｅｄ． [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on microglia (MG), Janus kinase-2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) in hippocampal CA1 region of Alzheimer's di-sease (AD) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms in the treatment of AD., Methods: Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model and EA groups, with 12 rats in each group. The AD rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose combined with intrahippocampal injection of aggregated Aβ 25-35 . The rats in the EA group were given EA (2 Hz/20 Hz, 2 mA) at "Baihui"(GV20) and"Shenting"(GV24) for 30 min, once daily, 6 days a week for 4 weeks. Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory ability and spatial exploration ability of rats. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of hippocampus. The ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The positive expression of MG marker io-nized calcium adaptor protein (Iba-1) in hippocampus was observed by immunofluorescence staining. The expression levels of serum inflammatory factor interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) were detected by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of JAK2, STAT3, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase-1 (Arg-1) in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein and phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by Western blot., Results: Compared with the sham operation group, the escape latency of the model group was significantly prolonged ( P <0.01), and the number of crossing the original platform was significantly reduced ( P< 0.01), the positive expression of Iba-1 in CA1 region, the content of serum IFN-γ, the relative mRNA expressions of JAK2, STAT3 and iNOS, and the protein and phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were significantly increased ( P <0.01), while the content of serum TGF-β1 and the relative expression of Arg-1 mRNA were significantly decreased ( P <0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency of rats in the EA group was significantly shortened ( P <0.01), the number of crossing the original platform was significantly increased ( P <0.01), the positive expression of Iba1, the content of serum IFN-γ, the mRNA expressions of JAK2, STAT3 and iNOS, and the protein and phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were significantly decreased ( P <0.05, P <0.01), while the content of serum TGF-β1 and the expression of Arg-1 mRNA were significantly increased ( P <0.01). Moreover, pathological and ultrastructural observation showed a reduction in the number of hippocampal neurons, changement of nuclear morphology, dilation of intercellular space, and decreased number of mitochondria in the model group；these situations were relatively milder in the EA group., Conclusions: EA can improve the learning and memory function of AD rats, which may be associated with its functions in decreasing MG activities, and inhibiting the JAK2 / STAT3 signaling pathway in the hippocampus.

Objective: To observe the effects of moxa smoke through olfactory pathway on learning and memory ability in rapid aging (SAMP8) mice, and to explore the action pathway of moxa smoke., Methods: Forty-eight six-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into a model group, an olfactory dysfunction group, a moxa smoke group and an olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group, with 12 mice in each group. Twelve age-matched male SAMR1 mice were used as the blank group. The olfactory dysfunction model was induced in the olfactory dysfunction group and the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group by intraperitoneal injection of 3-methylindole (3-MI) with 300 mg/kg, and the moxa smoke group and the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group were intervened with moxa smoke at a concentration of 10-15 mg/m 3 for 30 min per day, with a total of 6 interventions per week. After 6 weeks, the emotion and cognitive function of mice was tested by open field test and Morris water maze test, and the neuronal morphology in the CAI area of the hippocampus was observed by HE staining. The contents of neurotransmitters (glutamic acid [Glu], gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA], dopamine [DA], and 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) in hippocampal tissue of mice were detected by ELISA., Results: The mice in the blank group, the model group and the moxa smoke group could find the buried food pellets within 300 s, while the mice in the olfactory dysfunction group and the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group took more than 300 s to find them. Compared with the blank group, the model group had increased vertical and horizontal movements ( P <0.05) and reduced central area residence time ( P <0.05) in the open field test, prolonged mean escape latency on days 1-4 ( P <0.05), and decreased search time, swimming distance and swimming distance ratio in the target quadrant of the Morris water maze test, and decreased GABA, DA and 5-HT contents ( P <0.05, P <0.01) and increased Glu content ( P <0.05) in hippocampal tissue. Compared with the model group, the olfactory dysfunction group had increased vertical movements ( P <0.05), reduced central area residence time ( P <0.05), and increased DA content in hippocampal tissue ( P <0.05); the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group had shortened mean escape latency on days 3 and 4 of the Morris water maze test ( P <0.05) and increased DA content in hippocampal tissue ( P <0.05); the moxa smoke group had prolonged search time in the target quadrant ( P <0.05) and increased swimming distance ratio, and increased DA and 5-HT contents in hippocampal tissue ( P <0.05, P <0.01) and decreased Glu content in hippocampal tissue ( P <0.05). Compared with the olfactory dysfunction group, the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group showed a shortened mean escape latency on day 4 of the Morris water maze test ( P <0.05). Compared with the moxa smoke group, the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group had a decreased 5-HT content in the hippocampus ( P <0.05). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a reduced number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus with a disordered arrangement; the olfactory dysfunction group had similar neuronal morphology in the CA1 area of the hippocampus to the model group. Compared with the model group, the moxa smoke group had an increased number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus that were more densely packed. Compared with the moxa smoke group, the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group had a reduced number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus, with the extent between that of the moxa smoke group and the olfactory dysfunction group., Conclusion: The moxa smoke could regulate the contents of neurotransmitters Glu, DA and 5-HT in hippocampal tissue through olfactory pathway to improve the learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice, and the olfactory is not the only effective pathway.

Objective:To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at Baihui and Shenting on the learning and memory ability in focal cerebral ischemia(MCAO)rats, and then explore the underlying mechanism.Methods:Forty-five male SPF(Specific Pathogen Free)rats were randomly divided into the sham operation control group(SC group), the ischemia model group(IC group)and the electroacupuncture group(EA group). A modified occlusion method was used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury model in the IC group and the EA group. The rats were administered electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting for 7 days in the EA group. The learning and memory ability of the rats was evaluated by Morris water maze, the cerebral infarction volume was detected by the small animal MRI and TTC staining, the brain ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopic (TEM).Results:The time finding the plat and the error rate significantly reduced in the EA group in comparison with that in the IC group, while the cerebral infarction volume significantly decreased and the brain ultrastructure(mitochondria, nuclear membrane, etc.)of the rats was improved significantly, which showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the groups(PBaihui and Shenting could improve the ability of learning and memory after MCAO by reducing the cerebral infarction volume and protecting the brain ultrastructure in rats.

Objective To investigate the effect of Ginsensode Rg1 on the expression of Neurogranin (Ng) and behavioral alteration in cortex and hippocampus of rats with chronic stress model. Methods A total of 36 adult male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (CON)， model group (CUS) and treatment group (CUS-G). The chronic stress model was established by chronic unpredictable stress. The Morris water maze was used to study the learning and memory ability. The content of Ng in cortex， hippocampus was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot．Results The water maze test showed that after chronic stress， animal learning and memory ability decreased significantly，while the treatment group rats escape latency was significantly reduced (P<0.05)； after 6 weeks of stress，the cortex and hippocampus Ng mRNA levelschronic stress rats were markedly lower than that of model rats respectively (P<0.05，P<0.01，P<0.05). The cerebral cortex and hippocampus Ng mRNA levels in treatment group were significantly increased compared with that of model group respectively (P<0.01，P< 0.05，P<0.05)；The cerebral cortex and hippocampus Ng levels of chronic stress rat were significantly decreased when compared with that of the model rats respectively (P<0.05，P<0.01，P<0.05)，The cerebral cortex and hippocampus Ng content were significantly increased in treatment group compared with the model group respectively (P<0.01，P<0.05). Conclusions Chronic stress can change the behaviors of mice in recognization and memory The contents of Ng and the supplement of Ginsensode Rg1 have positive adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effect of inhibiting miR-204 expression on the learning and memory abilities of neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and related mechanism., Methods: A rat model of IUGR was prepared by low-protein diet. The 3-day-old IUGR rats were divided into three groups: model, miRNA antagonist control and miR-204 antagonist, with 10 rats in each group. Ten normal neonatal rats served as the control group. Morris water maze test was used to measure the learning and memory abilities of the rats. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of miR-204 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. Nissl staining and TUNEL staining were used to observe the number of Nissl bodies and the apoptosis of cells in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway-related proteins in the hippocampus., Results: Compared with the control group, the model group had a significant increase in the escape latency and a significant reduction in the number of platform crossings ( P <0.001). The model group also had significant increases in the apoptosis rate of cells and the expression level of miR-204 in hippocampal tissue ( P <0.001), while the number of Nissl bodies, the mRNA expression level of BDNF, and the protein expression levels of BDNF, p-TrkB, and p-CREB in the model group were significantly reduced compared with the control group ( P <0.001). After inhibition of the expression of miR-204, the number of Nissl bodies, the mRNA expression level of BDNF, and the protein expression levels of BDNF, p-TrkB, and p-CREB significantly increased, while the cell apoptosis rate and the expression level of miR-204 in the hippocampus significantly decreased. The escape latency was also reduced, while the number of platform crossings increased after inhibition of the expression of miR-204 ( P <0.001)., Conclusions: Inhibiting miR-204 can improve the learning and memory functions of neonatal rats with IUGR, possibly by targeted activation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.

Objective: To observe the effect of Sanjiao acupuncture(triple energizer acupuncture)on the small G protein guanosine triphosphate enzyme subfamily protein RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway in Alzheimer's disease mice, and explore its effect on learning and memory function and neurosynaptic plasticity., Methods: Forty SAMP8 senile dementia mice were randomly divided into model, Sanjiao acupuncture (acupuncture), non acupoint acupuncture (non-acupoint) and fasudil groups, with 10 mice in each group, another 10 SAMR normal aging mice were selected as normal aging group. Mice in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture intervention on "Danzhong"(CV18), "Zhongwan"(CV13), "Qihai"(BL24) and bilateral "Xuehai"(SP10) and "Zusanli" (ST36). Mice in the non-acupoint group were treated with acupuncture at each of the left and right non-acupoints under the ribs and mice in the fasudil group were intraperitoneally injected with fasudil (25 mg/kg). The mice in each group were given medicine or acupuncture on the second day after grouping for 28 continuously days, once a day. Morris water maze test was used to test the learning and memory ability of mice. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of neurons in hippocampus. The number of hippocampal neuron dendritic spine was detected by FD fast Golgi staining kit. The contents of β-amyloid 42 (Aβ42) and phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) in hippocampus were detected by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect the protein relative expression levels of RhoA, ROCK, F-actin and p-cofilin in hippocampus., Results: Compared with those in the normal aging group, the hippocampal neurons of the model group were disorderly arranged, the number of neuron was reduced, the escape latency, hippocampal Aβ42 and p-tau contents, RhoA and ROCK protein expressions increased ( P <0.05), the number of crossing the original platform, the number of neuronal dendritic spines, expressions of F-actin and p-cofilin decreased ( P <0.05). After the interventions, there was no statistically significant difference in the above indicators in the non-acupoint group relevant to the model group ( P >0.05). The acupuncture group and fasudil group improved the hippocampal pathological damage. The escape latency, hippocampal Aβ42 and p-tau contents, the expressions of RhoA and ROCK protein decreased ( P <0.05), and the number of crossing the original platform, the number of hippocampal neuron dendritic spines, expressions of F-actin and p-cofilin increased ( P <0.05) in both of the acupuncture and fasudil groups in contrast to the model and non-acupoint groups. Compared with the acupuncture group, there was no significant difference in the above indicators in the fasudil group ( P >0.05)., Conclusion: Sanjiao acupuncture may inhibit the activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway, so as to improve the learning and memory function of AD mice, increase the number of hippocampal neuron dendritic spines, and promote synaptic plasticity.

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture technique of Tiaoxin Tongdu on learning-memory ability and expressions of hippocampal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenin-1 (Ang-1) in rats with vascular dementia (VD), and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture technique of Tiaoxin Tongdu for VD., Methods: A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a medication group and an acupuncture group after Morris water maze test, 6 rats in each group. VD model was established by permanent ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries in the model group, the medication group and the acupuncture group. Treatment was given on the next day after successful modeling. The rats in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV 20), "Shenting" (GV 24), "Shuigou" (GV 26), "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Fengfu" (GV 16), "Mingmen" (GV 4), "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Daling" (PC 7) and "Laogong" (PC 8) for 30 min; the rats in the medication group were treated with nimodipine solution (0.0625 g/kg) by gavage, once a day, for 2 weeks. Morris water maze test was used to detect the behavior of rats before modeling, 2 weeks after modeling and after intervention; after intervention, the expressions of VEGF and Ang-1 protein in hippocampus were detected by Western blot., Results: Compared with the sham operation group, the average escape latency of rats in the model group was prolonged ( P <0.01), and the times of crossing the original platform were reduced ( P <0.01). Compared with the model group, the average escape latency of rats in the medication group and acupuncture group was significantly shortened ( P <0.01), and the times of crossing the original platform were increased ( P <0.01, P <0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the expressions of VEGF and Ang-1 protein in hippocampus in the model group were increased ( P <0.05, P <0.01). Compared with the model group, the expressions of VEGF and Ang-1 protein in the hippocampus in the medication group and acupuncture group were significantly increased ( P <0.01, P <0.05)., Conclusion: The acupuncture technique of Tiaoxin Tongdu can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of VD rats, and its mechanism may be related to up-regulating the expressions of VEGF and Ang-1 protein in hippocampus and inducing angiogenesis.

Objective: To compare the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with donepezil hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride alone on improving learning-memory ability in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to explore its action mechanism., Methods: Sixty patients of AD were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated with EA at governor vessel (GV) combined with donepezil hydrochloride. EA was applied at Baihui (GV 20) and Fengfu (GV 16) with dilatational wave (10 Hz/50 Hz of frequency, 0.5 to 5.0 mA of intensity), and the needles were kept for 40 min, EA was given once a day; the donepezil hydrochloride tablet was taken orally, 5 mg, once a day, and after 4 weeks the dosage might be increased to 10 mg per day according to the specific situation. All the treatment was given for 8 weeks. The patients in the control group were only treated with donepezil hydrochloride with the identical procedure as the observation group. The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and Alzheimer's disease assessment scale cognitive part (ADAS-Cog) were evaluated before and after treatment; P300 (latency and amplitude of N2 and P3) was detected by EEG/ERP system brain event related potential instrument, and amyloid precursor protein (APP) and β-amyloid protein 1-42 (Aβ 1-42 ) were detected by ELISA., Results: Compared before treatment, the MoCA scores were increased after treatment in the two groups ( P <0.05), and the MoCA score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group ( P <0.05). Compared before treatment, the ADAS-Cog scores were decreased after treatment in the two groups ( P <0.05), and the ADAS-Cog score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group ( P <0.05). Compared before treatment, the latency of N2 and P3 was shortened and the amplitude was increased after treatment in the two groups ( P <0.05); after treatment, the latency of N2 and P3 in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group and the amplitude was higher than that in the control group ( P <0.05). Compared before treatment, the serum levels of APP and Aβ 1-42 were lower after treatment in the two groups ( P <0.05), and the serum levels of APP and Aβ 1-42 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: EA at Baihui (GV 20) and Fengfu (GV 6) combined with donepezil hydrochloride can effectively reduce the serum levels of APP and Aβ 1-42 and improve the scores of MoCA and ADAS-Cog and the levels of N2 and P3 of P300 in AD patients, which has superior effect to donepezil hydrochloride alone in improving the learning-memory of AD patients.

Objective: To investigate the effects of butylphthalide (NBP) on learning and memory related ability, hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) content in hippocampus and amygdala, cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) expression and mitochondrial ATPase activity in rats with chronic alcoholism. Methods: Ninety SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (NC), model group (M) and butylphthalide remedy group (BR). Except for the control group, the water solution containing 6% (v/v) alcohol was used as the sole source of drinking water in the other two groups. After 14 days of feeding, the butylphthalide remedy group was injected with NBP intraperitoneally at the dose of 5 mg/kg once a day for 14 consecutive days, and the remaining two groups were injected with the same dose of normal saline. The control group subsequently used the Morris water maze method to observe and record the animals after entering the water. The time required for the underwater platform, their strategies and their swimming trajectories could analyze and infer the animal's ability to learn and remember. H 2 S concentration, CBS expression and mitochondrial ATPase activity in hippocampus and amygdale were dectected. Results: Compared with NC group, the latency period and swimming distance of M group were increased, the content of H 2 S and the mean optical density of CBS in hippocampus and amygdala were increased, and the activity of mitochondrial ATPase in hippocampus and amygdala was decreased significantly ( P ＜0. 01) . Compared with the M group, the latency period and swimming distance of learning and memory performance of BR group were decreased, the content of H 2 S and the mean optical density of CBS in hippocampus and amygdala were decreased, and the activity of mitochondrial ATPase in hippocampus and amygdala was increased significantly ( P ＜0. 01) . Conclusion: NBP can alleviate the effect of ethanol on learning and memory in rats, which may be related to the effect of NBP on the concentration of H 2 S and the expression of CBS in the amygdala of hippocampus and the increase of ATPase activity.

Objective: To observe the effects of different frequencies of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Baihui (GV 20)" and "Shenshu(BL 23)" for the learning and memory ability as well as glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in hippocampal tissue of rats with Alzheimer's disease(AD), so as to explore the mechanism of different frequencies of EA for the prevention and treatment of AD., Methods: One hundred and twelve healthy Wistar male rats were divided into seven groups by random number table, namely a normal group, a sham operation group, a model group, an acupuncture group, a 2 Hz EA group, a 30 Hz EA group, and a 50 Hz EA group, 16 rats in each one. The rats in the normal group were conventionally raised in the laboratory without any treatment. 0.9% NaCl solution was injected into bilateral dentate convolution of hippocampus in rats of the sham operation group. AD model was established by β-amyloid protein1-42 (Aβ1-42) injected into bilateral dentate convolution of hippocampus in the other groups. 15 days after establishment, no treatment was applied in the model and sham operation groups, and EA with corresponding frequencies at "Baihui (GV 20)" and "Shenshu (BL 23)" was used in the three EA groups for 2 sessions, once a day and 7 times as one session. There was 1 day between the two sessions. The same acupoints were adopted in the acupuncture group, without electrical connection. The escape latency, the first spanning platform time, and the number of crossing platform were tested in the Morris water maze immediately after treatment. The expressions of GSK-3β and GAP-43 were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot., Results: ①Morris water maze tests showed that the escape latency and the first spanning platform time significantly increased in the model group compared with those in the normal group (both P <0.01), and the number of crossing platform decreased ( P <0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency and the first spanning platform times decreased in the acupuncture and three EA groups (all P <0.01), and the numbers of crossing platform increased ( P <0.01). Compared with the acupuncture and 2 Hz, 30 Hz EA groups, the escape latency decreased in the 50 Hz EA group ( P <0.01, P <0.05); the first spanning platform time reduced (all P <0.01); the number of crossing platform increased ( P <0.01, P <0.05). ②The expressions of GSK-3β and GAP-43 of the model group increased compared with those of the normal group(both P <0.01). The expressions of GSK-3β in the acupuncture and three EA groups decreased compared with that in the model group (all P <0.01), and the expressions of GAP-43 increased (all P <0.01). The expressions of GSK-3β decreased and GAP-43 increases in the 50 Hz EA group compared with those in the acupuncture group and 2 Hz, 30 Hz groups (all P <0.01)., Conclusions: EA may promote synaptic damage rehabilitation by down regulating GSK-3β and up regulating GAP-43 to improve learning and memory ability of AD rats. The effect of 50 Hz EA is better than those of 30 Hz and 2 Hz EA and acupuncture.