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Objectives: This experiment was designed to determine whether hydrogen (H2) rich saline can ameliorate brain abnormalities in a rat model with acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats were used for CO poisoning and H2 rich saline treatment. Changes in neurons, microglias, and myelin sheath were observed by electron microscope. Neuron loss was assessed by Nissl staining. Antioxidant capacities were evaluated by studying superoxide dismutase activities and malondialdehyde concentration in the brain and serum. Infiltration of macrophages, expression of immune- associated cytokines (MIP-1-alpha and ICAM-1), and changes in myelin basic protein (MBP) were monitored by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Results: CO-exposed rats showed the increase in neuron loss and the decrease in antioxidant capacities. And H2 rich saline given after CO poisoning can prevent the alterations mentioned above. CO-mediated oxidative stress caused alterations in MBP, which initiated an adaptive immunological response that led to brain injury. MBP from H2 rich saline-treated, CO-exposed rats was recognized normally by immuno- histochemical staining and western blotting. Electron microscope observation from CO-exposed rats showed an apparent aggregation of microglias. Macrophages from CO-exposed rats were significantly more than those from H2 rich saline-treated and control rats, and the immunofluorescence observation showed that macrophages were similar to microglias in type. Expression levels of MIP-1-alpha and ICAM-1 increased in the brains of CO-poisoned rats and H2 rich saline treatment decreased the levels. Discussion: The results indicate that H2 rich saline prevents immune-mediated brain injury after CO poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cacna1f gene mutation could lead to incomplete congenital stationary night blindness (iCSNB) disease. The CSNB-like phenotype rat is a spontaneous rat model caused by Cacna1f gene mutation. The present study explored the phenotypic properties of behavior performance in CSNB rats further. The vision-related behaviors of CSNB rats were assessed with a Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance tests, and open-field test. Motor ability was evaluated with a rotarod test and a wire hang test, and mechanical pain and thermalgia were used to evaluate sensory system function. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded to evaluate the function of the retina. The vision-related results showed that longer latencies of escape and reduced probe trial in MWM for CSNB rats. There were more errors in avoidance test; CSNB rats were more active in the open field and presented a different pattern of exploration. The locomotor-related behaviors showed shorter falling latencies in the rotarod test and shorter gripping time in CSNB rats. And mechanical thresholds of pain increased in CSNB rats. The ERGs indicated that both the amplitude and latency of rod and cone systems were impaired in the CSNB rats. In summary, Cacna1f gene mutation changed the performance of various behaviors in the CSNB rat aside from vision-related phenotype. Cacna1f gene might play a role in a wide range of responses in the organism. These results confirm the importance of a comprehensive profile for understanding the behavior phenotype of Cacna1f gene mutation in CSNB rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the prevalence of visual impairment due to blinding trachoma in Sichuan, China between 1987 and 2006. Methods: Over 125,000 residents of Sichuan province participated in the National Sample Survey on Disabilities, conducted in both 1987 and 2006. Changes in the prevalence of visual impairment due to blinding trachoma were analyzed while accounting for other factors including gender, age and residence (urban vs. rural). Results: In 1987, blinding trachoma ranked second among the eight major visual impairment causes assessed with a prevalence of 172.9 (95% CI: 152.2-196.6) per 100,000, while in 2006 it ranked eighth with a prevalence of 58.1 (95% CI: 45.5-73.0) per 100,000. The prevalence in 2006 decreased significantly compared to 1987 in both rural and urban areas, as well as in both genders. Furthermore, in both 1987 and 2006, visual impairment due to blinding trachoma tended to be concentrated among individuals over 40, although it was also seen in young people. Conclusion: In the past 20 years, the prevalence and percentage of visual impairment due to blinding trachoma was significantly reduced in Sichuan province, and we anticipate a further decrease in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]