Effects of nitric oxide on spontaneous action potentials of guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract under the conditions of ischemia/reperfusion

AIM: To study the electrophysiological effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the pacemaker cells in guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract under the condition of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHODS: The spontaneous slow action potentials of guinea-pig left ventricular outflow tract were recorded by conventional intracellular microelectrode technique. The effects of NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the spontaneous slow action potentials under normal or I/R condition were investigated. RESULTS: SNP at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 μmol/L but not 1000 μmol/L significantly increased velocity of diastolic depolarization (VDD) and rate of pacemaker firing (RPF), SNP at concentrations of 1, 10, 100 and 1 000 μmol/L notably increased maximal diastolic potential (MDP), amplitude of action potential (APA) and maximal rate of depolarization (V_max), shortened 50% and 90% of the duration (APD₅₀ and APD₉₀). In ischemia 10 min group, VDD and RPF were significantly decreased, APA and V_max were notably increased, and APD₅₀ and APD₉₀ were markedly lengthened compared with control group. In reperfusion 10 min group, VDD and RPF were significantly increased, MDP and APA were notably decreased, and APD₅₀ and APD₉₀ were markedly shortened compared with I 10 min group. In reperfusin 10 min group, the pacemaker activity was always irregular. In reperfusion 10 min group, the parameters of spontaneous slow action potentials restored to the levels of control group except for VDD and V_max. In 1, 10 and 100 μmol/L SNP+R groups, VDD and RPF were significantly increased than in ischemia 10 min group. In 1, 10, 100 and 1 000 μmol/L SNP+R groups, APA, APD₅₀ and APD₉₀ were restored to the levels of control group. CONCLUSION: SNP significantly increases the spontaneous activity of left ventricular outflow tract, and relieves the effects of I/R on the spontaneous slow action potential markedly.     

Effect of interleukin-2 on intracellular calcium levels in rat ventricular myocytes during anoxia and reoxygenation

AIM: To investigate the effect of interleukin-2(IL-2) on the intracellular calcium in electrically stimulated adult rat ventricular myocytes during anoxia and reoxygenation. METHODS: The isolated cardiac ventricular myocytes were exposed to 5 min anoxia followed by 10 min reoxygenation. Chemical anoxia was introduced by Krebs-Henseleit(K-H) solution containing 10^-3 mol/L sodium dithionite. The spectrofluorometric method was used to verify intracellular calcium transient with fura-2/AM as calcium fluorescence probe. RESULTS: It was shown that during anoxia, the amplitude of Ca²⁺ transient was decreased, diastolic [Ca²⁺]_i, time to peak and time to relaxation of Ca²⁺ transient were increased. All the parameters were got back but did not returned to the pre-anoxia level during reoxygenation. IL-2 at 2×10⁵ U/L administrated during anoxia aggravated the effect of rexoxygenation on [Ca²⁺]_i transient. Pretreatment with a specific κ opioid antagonist, nor-BNI(10^-8 mol/L), abolished the effect induced by IL-2 during anoxia on the [Ca²⁺]_i transients, whereas specific δ opioid antagonist, naltrindole(10^-6 mol/L), did not cancel the effect. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that administration of IL-2 during anoxia aggravated the effect of reoxygenation on the [Ca²⁺]_i transients of isolated ventricular myocytes, which was mediated by cardiac κ opioid receptor pathway.     

Changes of potassium channels in thoracic aorta of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice in early stage

AIM:To investigate the changes of potassium channels in thoracic aorta of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse in the early stage of diabetes mellitus.METHODS:The effects of 60 mmol/L KCl, phenylephrine (PE), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were measured and concentration-response curves to SNP were determined in the presence and in the absence of the inhibitors of potassium channels on the thoracic aortic rings of diabetic and age-matched control mice in vitro. RESULTS:STZ-diabetic mice showed a significant increase in the maximum contractile response and sensitivity of thoracic aorta to 60 mmol/L KCl and PE. The endothelium-independent relaxation response to SNP was increased by diabetes and were decreased significantly by pretreatment of the vessels with 1 mmol/L tetraethylammonium (TEA), 1 mmol/L 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and 10 μmol/L glibenclamide in diabetes thoracic aorta. Only 4-AP decreased relaxation response to SNP in age-matched control mice. The -logIC₅₀ difference of TEA in thoracic aorta rings of diabetes was significantly higher than age-matched control mice.CONCLUSION:In early stage of diabetes mellitus, the opening or expression of K_Ca channels is significantly enhanced.The opening of K_ATP channels is also enhanced in this stage.     

Inhibitory effect of berberine on the activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes

AIM: To investigate the effect of berberine (Ber) on the activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes and its mechanism of action. METHODS: Whole peripheral blood from normal subjects was stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or phorbol ester (PDB) plus ionomycin (Ion) and the expression levels of CD69 and CD25 were evaluated with flow cytometry after the staining with appropriate fluorescent monoclonal antibody. The distribution of cell cycles was analyzed by propidium iodide staining and dead cells by 7-aminoactinomycin live staining. RESULTS: 100 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L of Ber had significant inhibition of the expression of CD69 on T cells stimulated with PDB plus Ion or PHA, while effect of 25 μmol/L Ber was not significant. And as time of action extended, the extent of inhibition decreased. For the expression of CD25, Ber at the concentrations as above all exerted significant inhibitory effect in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Ber could block lymphocytes cell cycle progression from G₀/G₁ phase to S and G₂/M phase without phase specificity. Besides, live staining analysis revealed that Ber did not have significant cytotoxicity on lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Ber significantly inhibits the expression of early and mid activation antigens of T cells and also blocks the progression of lymphocytes cell cycles. These results suggest that Ber exerts immunosuppression effect through inhibiting the activation and proliferation of T cells.     

一氧化氮在吲哚丁酸诱导平邑甜茶幼苗侧根形成中的作用

本实验以平邑甜茶（Malus hupenhensis Rehd.）实生苗为材料,研究了一氧化氮（NO）对侧根的诱导效果、吲哚丁酸（IBA）对根系内源NO含量的影响以及NO在 IBA诱导侧根形成中的作用。结果表明,外源NO能够促进平邑甜茶侧根的形成与生长,并有明显的剂量效应,其中10 μmol/L NO供体硝普钠（SNP）处理后新根最长,50 μmol/L SNP处理后新根数量最多。100 μmol/L IBA处理后15~30 min和48~96 h,幼苗根系NO生成量出现两次显著升高,而IBA处理96 h后侧根原基数量大量增加。此外,蛋白激酶抑制剂Quercetin明显抑制IBA对NO的诱导。     

Effect of nitric oxide on dormancy release in bulbs of Oriental lily (Lilium orientalis) ‘Siberia’

SUMMARY

Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential endogenous plant signalling molecule involved in a wide range of plant developmental processes. To investigate the effect of NO on breaking dormancy in bulbs, bulbs of Oriental lily (Lilium orientalis) ‘Siberia’ were treated with various concentration of the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 0.0,1.0,3.0, or 5.0 mM). The results showed that the effect of NO was dose-dependent, with the maximum biological response at 1.0 mM SNP. When applied exogenously, the 1.0 mM SNP treatment reduced the time required to release dormancy in Oriental lily bulbs. Meanwhile, 1.0 mM SNP significantly increased the shoot length:bulb height ratio. In addition, 1.0 mM SNP significantly lowered starch concentrations and increased water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and reducing sugar concentrations. These results indicate that NO treatment, at the correct dose, reduced the time required to release dormancy in bulbs by accelerating the degradation of starch and increasing the accumulation of WSC and reducing sugars in Oriental lily bulbs.     

The alteration of extracellular sodium and potassium ionic activities of hippocampal neurons in epileptiform rats kindled by coriaria lactone

AIM and METHODS: The sodium ion Na⁺ and potassium ion K⁺ selective microelectrodes were used to measure changes of ionic activity of extracellular sodium and potassium( [Na⁺]_o, [K⁺]_o) in hippocampus and hippocampal slice during epieptic seizure induced by intrahippocampal microinjection of coriaria lactone(CL) in rats and perfusing hippocampal slice with CL. RESULTS:30 s, 1min and 2min after injection of CL into hippocampus, the [Na⁺]_o decreased 27.7 mmol/L, 50.3 mmol/L, 57.8 mmol/L respectively and the [K⁺]_o increased 2.3 mmol/L, 2.4 mmol/L, 2.9 mmol/L respectively compared with control values(P＜0.01). The [K⁺]_o returned to the control level 3min after local application of CL, but the[Na⁺] _o was still lower than that of control group(P＜0.01). The [Na⁺]_o and the [K⁺]_o were measured also in hippocampal silces and results are similar to those of experiments in vivo. CONCLUSION: The influx of Na⁺and the flux of K⁺occurred during epileptiform discharges of hippocampal neurons induced by administration of CL.     

Rapid preparation of hypoxic Krebs-Henseleit solution with sodium sulfite for in vitro model of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction

AIM: To investigate the feasibility of using sodium sulfite (Na₂SO₃) to prepare hypoxic Krebs-Henseleit (KH) solution for hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) model in vitro. METHODS: Different doses of Na₂SO₃ were added into 0.5 L KH solution at 37°C. An i-STAT portable clinical analyzer was used to measure the oxygen partial pressure (PO₂), carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO₂), pH value and the concentration of sodium (Na⁺) in these KH-Na₂SO₃ solutions 1 min after administration. Then the dose of Na₂SO₃ suitable for HPV model was dissolved in 0.5 L KH solution and the above indexes in the solution were monitored at various time points at 37°C under atmospheric pressure. RESULTS: More than 0.2 g (including 0.2 g) Na₂SO₃ reduced the PO₂ of 0.5 L KH solution in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). In addition, 1.5 g Na₂SO₃ reduced the PO₂ of 0.5 L KH solution to 20~40 mmHg and maintained the hypoxic state for at least 90 min (suitable for HPV model in vitro), but had nearly no effect on the PCO₂, pH and Na⁺ levels. CONCLUSION: The hypoxia solution for HPV model could be reached by Na₂SO₃ in open air and the method is simple, easily feasible and stable.     

Trichinella spiralis infection alters mouse colonic epithelial permeability

AIM: To study the effect of Trichinella spiralis ( T. spiralis ) infection on colonic epithelial permeability in mice.METHODS: T. spiralis was applied to infect BALB/c mice. Seven days after infection, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was infused into the rectum of the mice infected with T. spiralis . Serum HRP was detected in the subsequent 0 min, 60 min and 120 min. The expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in mesenteric lymph nodes was detected by ELISA. Additionally, T. spiralis was also applied to infect STAT6 knockout mice, and the above indexes were also determined. RESULTS: In BALB/c mice, T. spiralis infection significantly increased colonic permeability. IL-4 and IgG₁ was significantly higher, IgG_2a was significantly lower (all P<0.05) after infection. However, in STAT6 knockout mice, T. spiralis infection did not change colonic permeability (P>0.05). Compared with BALB/c infection group, IL-4 level in STAT6 knockout infection group was significantly lower (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: T. spiralis infection induces an increase in mouse colonic epithelial permeability by promoting the secretion of IL-4.     

Effects of aflatoxin G1 on proliferation and TNF-αsecretion of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro

AIM: To explore the effects of aflatoxin G₁(AFG₁ )on proliferation and TNF-α secretion of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells(HPBM) in vitro. METHODS: The effects of AFG₁ on proliferation of HPBM were analysed with flow cytometric (FCM) DNA analysis and MTT bioassay, while that on TNF-α secretion was detected with ELISA.RESULTS: FCM analysis revealed that 6 h after treatment, proliferation index(PI) of 1000 μg/L AFG₁ treated HPBM was significantly higher than that of control. 24 h after AFG₁ treatment, stimulating effects on proliferation was found in HPBM treated with AFG₁ at 200 μg/L and 1 000μg/L.Regression analysis showed that PI was postively correlated with the concentrations of AFG₁ in the concentration range from 0 to 1 000μg/L( r=0. 5122 and 0.5119 respectively,P＜0.05).MTT bioassay showed that the A value of the cells treated with AFG₁ at 2 000 μg/L was higher than that of the control. Double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that AFG₁ at a dose of 100 μg/L could significantly inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α secretion.CONCLUSION: AFG₁ could stimulate the proliferation of HPBM and could decrease TNF-α secretion at certain concentration.     

Minocycline suppresses sodium nitroprusside-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling

AIM：To explore the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in the anti-apoptotic effect of minocyline (MC) on the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP). METHODS：PC12 cells were divided into 4 groups: blank control group, SNP (500 μmol/L) group, MC (10 μmol/L)+SNP group and LY294002+MC+SNP group. The cell viability was observed by MTT assay. The expression of Akt and p-Akt was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS： The viability of the PC12 cells decreased after exposed to 500 μmol/L SNP for 24 h. Meanwhile, MC at concentration of 10 μmol/L significantly blocked the effect of SNP, such as decreasing the cell viability. Pretreatment with LY294002 for 60 min prior to exposure of the PC12 cells to MC and SNP down-regulated the expression of p-Akt induced by SNP. CONCLUSION：Minocycline regulates PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to restrain the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by SNP.     

Release of arachidonic acid metabolites fromblood by cultivation of human amniotic fluid with oneself blood

AIM: To investigate the effect of human amniotic fluid on the release of thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂), prostaglandin I₂ (PGI₂) and Leukotriene C₄ (LTC₄) from blood cells. METHODS: 1 mL human amnioticfluid and 10 mL oneself blood collected from 38-41 weeks with cesarean section were cultured at 37 ℃ for 30 min, and then centrifuged. The supernatants were taken and stored at -70 ℃. TXB₂ and 6-Keto-PGF_1α of the superntants were determined by radioimmunoassay and LTC₄ by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: It was found that the levels of TXB₂ and LTC₄ in blood were elevated from (63.5±52.0)ng/L and (40.1±39.2) ng/L to (189.1±102.0) ng/L and (293.5±206.1) ng/L, respectively (P<0.01), after cultivation of oneself amniotic fluid with blood, the concentrations of TXB₂ and LTC₄ were higher in meconium-stained group than those in clear amniotic fluid group, but the concentration of PGI₂ only elevated slightly from (27.4±11.6) ng/L to (33.9±10.6) ng/L (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Amniotic fluid might stimulate the release of TXA₂ and LTC₄ from blood, it might affect the balance of TXA₂ and PGI₂ in blood, which might play an important role in the pathogenesis of amniotic fluid embolism.     

Phagocytosis of viable apoptotic cells inhibits the activation of T lymphocytes

AIM: To investigate whether viable apoptotic cells and phagocytosis of them affect the activation of T lymphocytes. METHODS: Ultraviolet irradiation was used to induce apoptotic cells in vitro and the model of phagocytosis of these cells was established. Cytokine TGF_β1 was detected by ELISA. The rate of apoptotic cells and phagocytosis of them were assessed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, flow cytometry was also employed to examine the expression of activation signs, such as CD69, CD25, CD71, of T lymphocytes under the intervention of apoptotic cells and macrophage which ingested apoptotic cells, to reflect whether the apoptotic cells and the phagocytosis of these cells could influence the activation of lymphocytes stimulated by Con A. RESULTS: Ingestion of apoptotic cells increased TGF_β1 secretion. Only the macrophages that had ingested apoptotic cells could suppress the activation of lymphocytes. The expression of the markers of lymphocytes activation such as CD69, CD25, CD71 had been restrained. These inhibition effects were abolished by monoclonal anti-TGF_β1 antibody. CONCLUSION: The macrophages that have ingested apoptotic cells inhibit expression of CD69, CD25 and CD71 of T lymphocytes stimulated by ConA. This effect is dependent on the increase in TGF_β1 secretion in local site.     

Effects of remifentanil on monophasic action potential and transmural dispersion of repolarization in rabbit myocardium

AIM: To study the effect of remifentanil on monophasic action potential and transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) in the 3-layer myocardium of isolated rabbit hearts. METHODS: Adult rabbits (n=18, 2.0 ~ 2.5 kg) were used to isolate the hearts for preparing Langendorff perfusion model. The hearts were randomly divided into 3 groups after perfusion with K-H solution for 15 min: the perfusion in control group (C group) continued for 60 min; the hearts in remifentanil group (R group) were perfused with 12 μg/L remifentanil K-H solution for 60 min; the hearts in remifentanil+aminophylline group (RA group) were given 60-min perfusion of 12 μg/L K-H remifentanil+30 mg/L aminophylline. The HR and 3 layers of myocardial monophasic action potential (MAP) in the left ventricular anterior wall were recorded at time points after balanced infusion for 15 min (T₀), and continued perfusion for 15 min (T₁), 30 min (T₂) and 60 min (T₃). The monophasic action potential duration of repolarization at 90% (MAPD₉₀) and the transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) were calculated. The early afterdepolarization, delay afterdepolarization and arrhythmia were also observed. RESULTS: In R group, slower HR and prolonger MAPD₉₀ and TDR at T₁~T₃ were observed as compared with those at T₀ (P<0.05). R group showed slower HR and longer MAPD₉₀ and TDR than C group and RA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Remifentanil slows the HR, extends the MAPD₉₀ and increases the TDR, thus being prone to induce reentry. Aminophylline makes HR faster and MAPD₉₀ shorter, thereby reducing the TDR.     

Protective effect of magnesium on brain with acute ischemia and reperfusion injury

AIM: To dynamically observe the protective effect of magnesium on the brain with ischemia and reperfusion injury in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model using the device of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) .METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats (280-300 g) were used to establish MCAO model with the conventional line-embolism method.The rats were divided into 4 groups according to the initial time of peritoneal injection of magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄).The rats in MgSO₄ groups were treated with 25% MgSO₄ at 160 mg/kg at time points of 20 min, 30 min and 40 min after ischemia.The rats in control group were treated with the same volume of normal saline.The real-time fluctuation of the local cerebral blood flow (CBF) was dynamically monitored by LDF.The degree of nervous functional defect was evaluated by calculating the neurological impairment score of the rats after suffered from 2 h ischemia and followed with 24 h reperfusion.All the rats were killed with an end breaking method, and the volumes of brain infarction were evaluated by TTC staining at the brain slices obtained by autopsy.RESULTS: The fluctuating features in 3 MgSO₄ treatment groups were as follows: when reperfusion began, the local CBF appeared and increased smoothly, then approached to its baseline step by step, and kept at the stable level in the whole reperfusion period.The CBF in control group fluctuated sharply in the whole reperfusion period associated with the heart beating, which was significantly different from those in MgSO₄ treatment groups.The average volume of brain infarction in MgSO₄ treatment groups was 26.5%, 36.5% and 24.5%, respectively, and was 54.0% in control group.The local nervous defect scores in MgSO₄ treatment groups were 5.670±1.003, 8.670±1.211 and 7.170±1.472, respectively, and was 11.170±0.983 in control group.CONCLUSION: Vasomotor functional improvement might be one of the protective mechanisms of magnesium on the brain with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in acute ischemic stroke.     

Mollugin inhibits viability and collagen synthesis of rat CFSC-2G cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of mollugin on the viability and collagen synthesis of rat hepatic stellate cell line CFSC-2G. METHODS: The activation of CFSC-2G cells was induced with low concentration (10 μmol/L) of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 30 min in the experiment. The viability of the CFSC-2G cells after exposed to mollugin at different concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60 and 120 μmol/L) was detected by MTT assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bax, and hepatic stellate cell activation markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I (Col Ⅰ) were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. The phosphorylation level of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Mollugin significantly inhibited the viability and collagen synthesis of activated CSFC-2G cells induced by H₂O₂. The expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and Bax at mRNA and protein levels, and the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK were promoted, while the levels of NF-κB p65, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, α-SMA and ColⅠwere inhibited by mollugin (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Mollugin may inhibit H₂O₂-induced viability and collagen synthesis of the CSFC-2G cells by activating Nrf2 and HO-1, and blocking the NF-κB p65 and Bcl-2 expression.     

Effect of progesterone on SH-SY5Y cells injured by ATP

AIM: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of progesterone against adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-injured human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.METHODS: The SH-SY5Y cells in the logarithmic phase were divided into different groups according to the progesterone and ATP concentrations. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The membrane permeability was detected using fluorescent dye YO-PRO-1. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration was measured with fluorescent dye Fluo-3/AM. The expression of purinergic P2X₇ receptor was assessed by Western blot.RESULTS: The viability of the SH-SY5Y cells was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and YO-PRO-1 uptake was obviously increased (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner compared with control group when SH-SY5Y cells were treated with ATP at 1, 3, 5 and 7 mmol/L for 2 h. The viability reduction of the SH-SY5Y cells induced by ATP was obviously counteracted by treatment with progesterone at 3, 10 and 30 nmol/L for 30 min (P<0.05) as compared with ATP group. YO-PRO-1 fluorescence enhancement induced by ATP in SH-SY5Y cells was significantly reduced (P<0.05) by progesterone (30 nmol/L) or P2X₇ receptor antagonist KN-62 (500 nmol/L) pretreatment for 30 min, and no obvious difference between treatments with progesterone and KN-62 was observed. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ fluorescence intensity in normal group was a little, but that in ATP group was increased (P<0.05). Progesterone or KN-62 pretreatment significantly decreased the cytosolic fluorescence intensity of Ca²⁺ induced by ATP (P<0.05). However, no obvious difference between treatments with progesterone and KN-62 was found. The expression of P2X₇ receptor in ATP group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05), and progesterone inhibited ATP-induced P2X₇ receptor expression (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Progesterone inhibits P2X₇ receptor expression, membrane pore formation, intracellular Ca²⁺ increase and cell death induced by ATP, so progesterone may protect SH-SY5Y cells against ATP-induced injuries.     

Cross talk of CCK8 and EGF in mouse neurons

AIM: To explore the mechanism of signaling transduction and cross talk between cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK₈) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in mouse neurons and to observe the effect of CCK₈ in coordination with EGF on neuron growth and cell viability. METHODS: For determining which kind of CCK receptor mediated the phosphorylation of EGF receptor, the cultured neurons were randomly divided into control group, CCK₈ stimulation group, CCK_A receptor antagonist group, CCK_B receptor antagonist group, and CCK_A+CCK_B receptor antagonist group. Control and stimulation groups were stimulated with DMEM and CCK₈ (10^-7 mol/L) for 5 min, respectively, while antagonist groups were pre-incubated with different types of receptor antagonists (10^-8 mol/L) for 10 min and followed by stimulating the neurons with CCK₈. For observing the effect of CCK₈ and EGF on the phosphorylation of EGFR in neurons and on neuron growth and cell viability, the cultured neurons were randomly divided into control group, CCK₈ stimulation group, EGF stimulation group and CCK₈+EGF stimulation group, which were stimulated with DMEM, CCK₈ (10^-7 mol/L), EGF (40 μg/L) and CCK₈+EGF for 5 min, respectively. Reactions were terminated by freezing the neurons in liquid nitrogen and the phosphorylated EGFR was detected by Western blotting. Meanwhile, the viability of the neurons was observed by MTT method after stimulated for 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h. RESULTS: The phosphorylation levels of EGFR were decreased in the neurons treated with either of the two CCK receptor antagonists, and more obvious decrease was observed when the two CCK receptor antagonists were used in combination. Compared with control group, the phosphorylation levels of EGFR in the neurons were significantly increased(P<0.05) after stimulated with CCK₈ or EGF, and the increase was more remarkable in CCK₈+EGF stimulation group. CCK₈ or EGF improved the viability and prolonged the life span of the neuron, and synergism of these two reagents was observed. CONCLUSION: Both CCK_A and CCK_B receptors are involved in the phosphorylation of EGFR in the neurons stimulated by CCK₈, and the type A receptor may play a more important role. There is cross-talk between CCK₈ and EGF signaling pathways in neurons. The signaling cross-talk between CCK₈ and EGF may be the underlying molecular mechanism responsible for the synergistic effect on the neuron growth and viability in vitro.     

外源NO诱导辣椒对UV-B胁迫的生理响应

以果期辣椒为试材,研究不同浓度外源NO供体硝普钠(SNP)对UV-B胁迫下辣椒的生理响应,旨在为辣椒栽培生产提供科学参考依据。结果表明:喷施SNP(3 mmol·L^-1)显著提高了UV-B胁迫下辣椒叶片的光合色素含量,光合荧光参数Fv/Fm,抗氧化酶活性(SOD、POD、CAT)和可溶性糖含量;光合荧光参数Fo、丙二醛(MDA)含量显著降低,从而降低了UV-B胁迫对果期辣椒的伤害。综上所述,外源NO参与了辣椒对UV-B胁迫的应答与防御,提高了辣椒对UV-B胁迫的抗性。