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Cardiac arrest and stroke as a life-threatening event that may occur in throughout the female life, especially during pregnancy or after delivery. Previous studies demonstrated that cerebral ischemia during pregnancy or the puerperium is a rare occurrence but is associated with significant mortality and high morbidity. This study was designed to assess the effects of pregnancy and lactation on behavioral deficits, neural density, and angiogenesis in rat dams undergoing global ischemia. Thirty-two female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: virgin-Sham (Vir-Sham) group, virgin-ischemic (Vir-Isc) group, pregnancy-lactation-sham (P-L-Sham) group, and pregnancy-lactation-ischemic (P-L-Isc) group. Global brain ischemia was induced in ischemic groups by using the 2-vessel occlusion (2-VO) model at the end of lactation phase. Seven days after 2-VO, anxiety-like signals and passive avoidance memory tests were assessed in animals. We found that the lactation significantly improved memory and reduced anxiety-like signals in P-L-Isc group as compared with Vir-Isc group. Moreover, angiogenesis and neural density significantly increased in the P-L-Isc group as compared with the Vir-Isc group. This finding for the first time indicated that lactation protects the maternal brain against ischemic insult partly through promoting angiogenesis and neurogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is involved in compulsive drug seeking and drug relapse. Its involvement in cue-, context-, and stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking has also been confirmed in animal models. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was proposed to be an effective intervention for patients with treatment-refractory addiction. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the potential efficacy of DBS in the OFC for controlling addictive-like behaviors in rats. Rats were bilaterally implanted with electrodes in the OFC and trained to the morphine conditioned place preference (CPP; 3, 5, and 7 mg/kg). High-frequency (HF; 130 Hz) or low-frequency (LF; 13 Hz) DBS-like stimulation was applied during the conditioning (40 minutes, once daily, 3 days) or extinction (20 minutes, once daily, 6-10 days) trials. Following the extinction, morphine preference was reinstated by a priming dose of morphine (2 mg/kg). When applied during the conditioning phase, HF-DBS significantly decreased preference for the morphine-associated context. HF-DBS during the extinction phase of morphine CPP reduced the number of days to full extinction of morphine preference and prevented morphine priming-induced recurrence of morphine preference. LF-DBS did not change any of these addictive behaviors. HF-DBS had no significant effect on novel object recognition memory. In conclusion, HF-DBS of the OFC prevented morphine preference, facilitated extinction of morphine preference, and blocked drug priming-induced reinstatement of morphine seeking. These findings may indicate a potential applicability of DBS in the treatment of relapse to drug use. Further studies will be necessary to assess the translatability of these findings to the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Comorbidity of anxiety has been reported to aggravate the control of asthma symptoms. Considering the important role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of asthma and anxiety, the present study evaluated whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as an antioxidant agent, has anxiolytic effects in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic asthma. Methods: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8): control, asthma, NaHS (sodium hydrosulfide, a donor of H2S) and ascorbic acid (as a positive control). All animals except in the control group were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Mice in the NaHS group, intraperitoneally received 14μmol/kg NaHS 30min before each challenge. In the ascorbic acid group, 130mg/kg ascorbic acid was given by gavage 30min before each challenge. On the day of the last challenge, animal body weight and anxiety-related behaviors were examined. Results: Asthma caused significant decreases in the percentages of open arm entries and spending time in open arms in the elevated plus maze as well as the spending time in the light side in the light-dark transition. Also, induction of asthma resulted in a significant decrease of the animal body weight. Administration of NaHS as well as ascorbic acid, attenuated anxiety-related behaviors and improved the body weight in asthmatic mice. Conclusion: The current study suggested that NaHS improves anxiety-related behaviors in OVA-induced asthma same as ascorbic acid, a strong antioxidant. Therefore, NaHS appears to be effective for managing the comorbidity of anxiety with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been proposed as a promising intervention for patients with treatment-refractory substance use disorder. Here, we investigated if high-frequency DBS in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) could affect drug-induced reinforcement. Rats were bilaterally implanted with bipolar stimulation electrodes in the LHA and trained to the morphine conditioned place preference. DBS (monophasic square pulses, 130 Hz, 100-microsecond pulse duration and 150 μA) was applied during the morphine-pairing trials (30 minutes daily for 4 days) or drug-free postconditioning test (15 minutes) to determine its effect on the acquisition or expression of morphine reward, respectively. LHA DBS during morphine-conditioning trials blocked subsequent preference for the drug-associated context. In contrast, DBS in the postconditioning phase failed to inhibit expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference. These results were further controlled by ruling out significant changes by DBS in physical performance and anxiety-like behavior as measured by an open field test and by precluding anhedonia-like behavior as measured by sucrose consumption test. Our results suggest that LHA DBS can prevent development of morphine reward without diminishing the motivation for naturally rewarding stimuli. Therefore, the LHA could be a potential target for research in the field of DBS-based treatment of intractable substance use disorder. Further studies will be necessary to assess the translatability of these findings to the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Exposure to stress leads to physiological changes called "stress response" which are the result of the changes in the adrenomedullary hormone system, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. In the present study, the effects of chronic physical and psychological stress and also the role of sympathetic system effects in stress on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries have been studied in isolated rat heart. Rat heart was isolated and subjected to 30 min regional ischemia and 120 min reperfusion. The daily stress was induced for one week prior to I/R induction. Sympathectomy was done chemically by injection of hydroxyl-dopamine prior to stress induction. There were no significant changes in heart rate and Coronary Flow between groups. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and rate product pressure (RPP) in both physical and psychological stress groups decreased significantly compared to those in control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between physical and psychological stress groups. Infarct size significantly increased in both physical and psychological stress groups and control group (P<0.05. Sympathectomy before induction of stress led to the elimination of the deleterious effects of stress as compared with stress groups (P<0.05). These results show that induction of chronic physical and psychological stress prior to ischemia/reperfusion causes enhancement of myocardial injuries and it seems that increased sympathetic activity in response to stress is responsible for these adverse effects of stress on ischemic/reperfused heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies showed the protective effects of oxytocin (OT) on myocardial injury in ischemic and reperfused rat heart. Moreover, exposure to various stressors not only evokes sudden cardiovascular effects but also triggers the release of OT in the rat. The present study was aimed to evaluate the possible cardioprotective effects of endogenous OT released in response to stress (St), and effects of administration of exogenous OT on the ischemic-reperfused isolated heart of rats previously exposed to St. Wistar rats were divided into six groups: ischemia/reperfusion (IR); St: rats exposed to swim St for 10 min before anesthesia; St+atosiban (ATO): an OT receptor antagonist, was administered (1.5 mg/kg i.p.) prior to St; St+OT: OT was administered (0.03 mg/kg i.p.) prior to St; OT: OT was administrated prior to anesthesia; ATO was given prior to anesthesia. Isolated hearts were perfused with Krebs buffer solution by the Langendorff method and subjected to 30 min of regional ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. The infarct size (IS) and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in coronary effluent were measured. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded throughout the experiment. The plasma concentrations of OT and corticosterone were significantly increased by St. Unexpectedly St decreased IR injury compared with the IR alone group. OT administration significantly inhibited myocardial injury, and administration of ATO with St abolished recovery of the rate pressure product, and increased IS and levels of CK-MB and LDH. These findings indicate that activation of cardiac OT receptors by OT released in response to St may participate in cardioprotection and inhibition of myocardial IR injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that has harmful effects on mothers, infants, family and relationships. Acute decrease of progesterone after delivery has been proposed as a cause for postpartum depression. This hormone can affect neurotransmitters' function. Zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) as trace elements exert their antidepressant effects through neurotransmitter pathways. On the other hand, thiamin (Vit B1) deficiency leads to depression in animal models. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of combination of zinc, magnesium and thiamine on postpartum depression and role of nitrergic system. Methods: One hundred ten female mice in five groups were used. Postpartum depression was conducted using progesterone injections. Combinations of Zinc chloride, magnesium chloride and thiamine HCL were administered 30 minutes before open field and forced swimming test (FST). In order to investigate role of nitrergic system, L-arginine and LNAME were administered. Results: All treatment groups spent less immobility time than the control group (p< 0.05). Combined administration of Zn+ Mg+ Vit B1 caused the most reduction in immobility time. Administration of L-NAME in Zn+ Mg+ Vit B1 group caused reduction in immobility time while administration of L-arginine caused increase in immobility time in the same group. Conclusion: Zinc, magnesium and thiamine can improve depressive symptoms by nitrergic pathway. These elements as supplement compounds could be alternatives for antidepressants in postpartum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. We assessed whether cosupplementation of vitamins C and E has additive beneficial effects on reducing the kidney damage and attenuation of the arterial pressure elevation compared to administration of either vitamin C or vitamin E alone in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension. Materials and Methods. Forty rats were divided into 4 study groups and 1 sham-operated group. Unilateral nephrectomy was carried out in the study groups and hypertension was induced by deoxycorticosterone injection and 1% sodium chloride and 0.2% potassium chloride added to the drinking water. Vitamins C and E (200 mg/kg/day) or combination of them were administered with DOCA-salt for 4 weeks in 3 study groups. The effects of DOCA and salt and treatment with vitamins were compared in terms of blood pressure, urinary protein excretion, antioxidant activity of the kidneys, and renal histological changes. Results. Four weeks of supplementations of vitamins C, vitamin E, and both in the DOCA-salt-treated rats had comparable significant effects in decreasing systolic blood pressure. Urinary protein excretion and histological damage did not significantly change with the combination therapy of vitamins C and E compared to the vitamin C or E alone. The renal levels of glutathione and ferric reducing/antioxidant power in combination therapy group were similar to the two other treatment groups and were significantly higher than non-treated group. Conclusions. Co-administration of vitamin C and E does not have an additive beneficial effect on reducing the kidney damage and hypertension compared to either vitamin C or E alone in DOCA-salt-induced hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present study, the effects of intra-locus coeruleus (LC) injection of GABAB receptor-interacting agents on naloxone-induced withdrawal signs of morphine-dependent rats were examined. The GABAB receptor agonist and antagonists were injected 5min prior to naloxone injection. Baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist, decreased the TWS in a dose-dependent manner but CGP35348, a GABAB receptor antagonist, alone had no effect. On the other hand, baclofen effects were reversed by CGP35348. It may be concluded that activation of GABAB receptor mechanisms in the LC reduces precipitated withdrawal symptoms from chronic morphine treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background • Pneumonia caused by the ventilator is the most common acquired infection in the intensive care unit (ICU), which increases the morbidity and mortality of the patients. Eucalyptus plant has antiseptic properties that may mollify such morbidity and mortality. Objective • To assess the effect of Eucalyptus incense on prevention of pneumonia in patients with endotracheal tube in the ICU. Research Design • A randomized controlled clinical trial with parallel groups of 100 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Setting • An ICU in a teaching hospital. Interventions • Randomization to received Eucalyptus solution 5% (intervention group = 50) and received 10 cc distilled water as an inhaler 3 times/d (every 8 h/d for 20 min) (control group = 50). Primary Outcome Measures • The incidence of early and delay pneumonia and pulmonary infections based on clinical pulmonary infection criteria were assessed. Results • The incidence of late pneumonia was significantly lower in the intervention group compared with control groups (P < .01). The prevalence of Klebsiella, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus was significantly decreased in the intervention group (P < .01). Conclusion • The results present study showed that Eucalyptus inhalation is effective in reducing the incidence of pulmonary infection in patients under ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphine withdrawal usually results in unsuccessful outcomes. Despite partial benefits from alternative substances such as methadone, its use may not lead to the desired result due to the lack of mental tranquility during the withdrawal period. In this study, by means of an animal model, morphine itself was used to manage morphine dependence. Forty mice were divided into 5 groups, in which 4 groups became dependent by increasing daily doses of morphine for 7 days (15-45 mg/kg). Afterwards, the animals received morphine for 14 days by either of the following regimens: * Once daily 45 mg/kg (positive controls) * Increasing the interval (each time 6 hours longer than the previous interval) * Irregular interval in every 36, 12 and 24 hours until the 21th day * 12, 24, 36 hours decreasing doses (each time 2.5 mg/kg less than the former dosage). Negative controls received saline solution only. On day 22, total withdrawal index (TWI) was determined by injecting 3 mg/kg of naloxone. Thereafter, blood samples were taken for the measurement of cortisol and glucose levels. TWI significantly decreased in all test groups in comparison with the positive control animals (P<0.001). Cortisol levels significantly decreased when either the dosage or the administration frequencies were decreased on a regular and gradual basis (P<0.005). Blood glucose levels significantly decreased in animals that received decreasing doses of morphine (P<0.005). This study suggests that no other measures may be required in clinical practice except for changing the dosage regimen of morphine for the cessation of self-administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Herbal medical compounds and their major constituent have been used in the management and treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome and pain. This study was carried out to clarify the effect of curcumin, the major compound of turmeric, on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mouse model and its possible mechanisms of pain relieving activity by assessing in writhing test as a model of visceral pain. Methods: Due to two separate protocols (withdrawal syndrome and pain), 144 male albino mice were divided in two major groups. In withdrawal syndrome group, test effect of various dosages of curcumin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) was assessed on withdrawal signs and compared with positive and negative control and standard treatment (clonidine 0.4 mg/kg) groups. In pain groups, to determine the mechanism of pain relieving activity of curcumin, various dosages of curcumin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) in three separated groups, were used against acetic acid induced writhing (which is a constriction) test. The most effective dose (40 mg/kg) was used in writhing test and compared with groups pretreated with antagonist of major neurotransmitters involved in pain; and compared with group pretreated with vehicle (DMSO, 0.05%) as control. Results: Curcumin attenuates withdrawal syndrome in a dose dependent manner in comparison with the dependent positive control group (P<0.05). It also indicated that pretreatment with naloxone and cyproheptadine significantly attenuate antinociception effect of curcumin (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study advocate that antinociception of curcumin was mediated by opioidergic and adrenergic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the cardioprotective effect of oxytocin (OT) released in response to stress, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of heat shock proteins Hsps 70, 27 and 20 in stress-induced cardioprotection in isolated, perfused rat hearts. Rats were divided in two main groups: unstressed and stressed rats, and all of them were subjected to i.c.v. infusion of vehicle or drugs: unstressed rats [control: vehicle, OT (100 ng/5 μl), atosiban (ATO; 4.3 μg/5 μl) as OT antagonist, ATO+OT], and stressed rats [St: stress, OT+St, ATO+St]. After anesthesia, hearts were isolated and subjected to 30 min regional ischemia and 60 min subsequent reperfusion (IR). Acute stress protocol included swimming for 10 min before anesthesia. Malondialdehyde in coronary effluent was measured and the expression of Hsp 70, 27 and 20 was measured in myocardium using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The malondialdehyde levels, which decreased in the St and OT groups, increased by the administration of atosiban as an OT antagonist. The expression of Hsp27 increased 4 to 5 folds by stress induction and i.c.v. infusion of OT. Central administration of atosiban prior to both stress and OT decreased Hsp27 mRNA levels. These findings suggest that endogenous OT may participate in stress-induced cardioprotection via Hsp27 over-expression as an early response.