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Chronic restraint stress induces cognitive abnormalities through changes in synapses and oxidant levels in the amygdala and hippocampus. Given the neuroprotective effects of fruit of Terminalia chebula (Halileh) in different experimental models, the present investigation aimed to address whether Terminalia chebula is able to reduce chronic restraint stress-induced behavioral, synaptic and oxidant markers in the rat model. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: control (did not receive any treatment and were not exposed to stress), stress (restraint stress for 2 h a day for 14 consecutive days), Terminalia chebula (received 200 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia chebula), and stress + Terminalia chebula groups (received 200 mg/kg extract of Terminalia chebula twenty minutes before stress) (n = 8 in each group). We used the shuttle box test to assess learning and memory, Golgi-Cox staining to examine dendritic spine density in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus and the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) in the brain. The shuttle box test results demonstrated that Terminalia chebula treatment had a profound positive effect on memory parameters, including step-through latency (STL) and time spent in the dark room, when compared to the stress group. Daily oral treatment with Terminalia chebula effectively suppressed the loss of neural spine density in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus and the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala caused by chronic restraint stress, as demonstrated by Golgi-Cox staining. Additionally, the results indicate that Terminalia chebula significantly reduced the TOS and increased TAC in the brain compared to the stress group. In conclusion, our results suggest that Terminalia chebula improved memory impairment and synaptic loss in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala induced by restraint stress via inhibiting oxidative damage.

Introduction: Living near high-voltage power lines and exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is a potentially serious hazard to animal and human health. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of high-frequency EMFs from simulated high-voltage electric towers on cognitive, anatomical, and biological changes in the male macaque. Methods: In this study, two Rhesus macaque were recruited, one experimental and one control. The experimental subject was exposed to EMFs from 3 kV/m simulated electric towers with a specific protocol and the control subject was tested without irradiation (4h per day, for 30 days). All required tests were performed before and after the intervention on experimental and control monkeys. The anatomical alternation of the prefrontal area (PFA) was measured by MRI images. All tests were performed on irradiated and control animals before and after the intervention and the results were compared between irradiated and control animals. Results: The results of the present study indicated increased white blood cell counts after high-frequency EMFs irradiation. Also, the red blood cell counts showed a decreasing trend after irradiation. The plasma adrenaline level increased after irradiation. Besides, the blood glucose levels increased after irradiation. The PFA was different before and after the irradiation. Moreover, some behavioral disorders, such as fatigue, drowsiness, anorexia, and insomnia were observed after irradiation. Conclusion: The results of biological tests and MRI showed an elevated risk of immunodeficiency disorders, weakness, and behavioral disorders. People who live or work near high-voltage electric towers with high-frequency EMFs are warned.

Introduction: In the present study, the effects of prenatal stress on spatial learning and memory deficit and its relationship with hippocampal insulin resistance were examined in male and female offspring. Methods: Female NMRI mice were mated with males overnight, and the 0-day of pregnancy was detected (Gestational day 0-GD0). The pregnant mice were then randomly divided into stress and control groups. The stress group received stress from the GD0 to GD10. On post natal day 30 (PND30), the offspring were divided into 4 subgroups, namely: male-control, female-control, male-stress, and female-stress. Barnes maze method was used for spatial learning evaluation. Plasma cortisol and insulin levels were measured at the beginning of the experiments. At the end of the experiments, the animals’ brains were removed, and their hippocampus was extracted. The hippocampus was homogenized, and its insulin and insulin-receptor contents were evaluated. Results: The stressed animals needed more time for reaching to target hole. In addition, they spend more distance to find the target hole, which was more pronounced in the male offspring. Both plasma and hippocampal insulin content were reduced in the stressed groups. Moreover, the hippocampal insulin receptors protein was reduced in the stressed animals. There was a positive relationship between plasma and hippocampal content and memory deficit in the stressed groups. Conclusion: These results indicated that prenatal stress could induce spatial learning and memory deficit in offspring, which is associated with plasma and hippocampal insulin and receptor content reduction (hippocampal insulin resistance) in these animals.

Introduction: Today, humans live in a world surrounded by electromagnetic fields. Numerous studies have been conducted to discover the biological, physiological, and behavioral effects of electromagnetic fields on humans and animals. Given the biological similarities between monkeys and humans, The present research aimed to examine Visual Memory (VM), hormonal, genomic, and anatomic changes, in the male rhesus macaques exposed to an Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field (ELF-MF). Methods: Four male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were used. For the behavioral tests, the animals should be fasting for 17 hours. For the tests such as visual memory, the animal’s cooperation was necessary. Using the radiation protocol, we exposed two monkeys to a 12-Hz electromagnetic field with a magnitude of 0.7 µT (electromagnetic radiation) four hours a day for a month. Before and after the exposure, a visual memory test was conducted using a coated device (visible reward) on a movable stand. Ten milliliters of blood was obtained from the femoral artery of each monkey, and half of it was used to examine cortisol serum levels using the MyBioSource kit (made in the USA). The other half of the blood was used to extract lymphocytes for assaying expressions of Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) genes before and after radiation using the PCR method. Anatomic studies of the amygdala were carried out based on pre- and post-radiation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Results: Research results indicated that visual memory in male primates increased significantly after exposure to the 12-Hz frequency. Hormonal analysis at the 12-Hz frequency showed a decrease in cortisol serum levels. However, visual memory and serum cortisol levels did not change considerably in male primates in the control group. There was no considerable amygdala volumetric difference after exposure to the 12-Hz frequency. The expression of the GR genes decreased in the 12-Hz group compared to the control group. Conclusion: In short, these results indicated that ELF might benefit memory enhancement because exposure to the 12-HZ ELF can enhance visual memory. This outcome may be due to a decrease in plasma cortisol and or expression of GR genes. Moreover, direct amygdala involvement in this regard cannot be recommended.

Introduction: Computer games as an interactive media play a significant role in the cognitive and behavioral health of the players. Computer games have either positive or negative effects on cognitive indices among players. They also directly influence the lifestyle and quality of life of children, adolescents, and young adults. The present study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of the brain teaser game on players. Methods: Among 45 male volunteers, 40 subjects with an average age of 20 years were recruited and divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. All required tests were conducted before and after the intervention (playing the game) on the experimental group. Also, the same tests were performed on the control group, in which the participants were not allowed to play the game. All participants completed a questionnaire comprised demographic characteristics and specific information regarding the game (e.g., game style and hours spent on playing the game). The saliva samples were collected to measure levels of cortisol and α-amylase. The salivary α-amylase (sAA) and cortisol levels were analyzed using the relevant ELISA kits. The cognitive tests were performed using PASAT software before and after the game to assess the perceptual-cognitive abilities of the players. The brain waveforms were acquired by a 14-channel Emotiv brain signal recording device before and after the game. Data analysis was conducted in R and MATLAB software. Results: PASAT test suggested that mental health and sustained attention were significantly improved after the intervention. In addition, the sAA and salivary cortisol levels were significantly higher before the intervention. The results of the brainwave analysis revealed that stress index and attention were significantly higher before the intervention. Conclusion: Findings of the present study suggest that brain teaser games positively influence the central nervous system and activate stress path, leading to changes in brain signals and subsequently improved cognitive elements, such as attention among players.

Introduction: The present study investigated the role of the Basolateral Amygdala (BLA) N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in stress-induced spatial memory disturbance among the male Wistar rats. Methods: The male Wistar rats (Average weight =200 g) were cannulated bilaterally in the BLA, and entered the study (n=6-8) after one week. They received seven electro–foot-shock stress sessions on seven consecutive days. Memantine (0.1, 1, and 5 µg/rat) or saline (0.5 µL/rat) was injected into the BLA, five minutes before each stress session. The control groups received the same doses of memantine and no stress. After the end of the stress sessions, blood samples were taken from all animals to evaluate their plasma corticosterone. Also, the spatial learning and memory of the study animals were evaluated using the Barnes maze method. The animals experienced five consecutive days of training on the maze for spatial learning. On the sixth day, their spatial memory was evaluated on the maze. Time, distance, the number of errors, and the taking strategy for reaching the target hole were considered as the parameters for the spatial learning and memory evaluation. Results: Stress increases the plasma corticosterone level, while memantine preadministration reduces the stress effects. Besides, stress increases the time and distance to the target hole and the number of errors. Stress changed the animals’ strategy from serial to random type. However, the intra-BLA memantine reversed all the disturbances induced by the stress. Conclusion: This study indicated that the BLA glutamate NMDA receptors modulate the effect of stress on spatial learning and memory deficit.

Introduction: This research investigated the effects of violent and football video games on cognitive functions, cortisol levels, and brain waves. Methods: A total of 64 participants competed in a single-elimination tournament. Saliva samples of all players were obtained before and after the games for the assessment of cortisol levels. The cognitive performances of the players were also assessed by paced auditory serial addition test. Moreover, the electroencephalogram recording was conducted during the games. Results: The results showed that salivary cortisol levels significantly decreased after playing both games. Also, playing the football game increased reaction time, whereas decreased sustained attention and mental fatigue. Conclusion: Conversely, following playing a violent game, the reaction time decreased, and sustained attention and mental fatigue increased. Furthermore, the results of the EEG recording revealed that playing a violent game engaged more brain regions than the football game. In conclusion, playing violent game more effectively improved cognitive performances in the players than the football game.

Introduction: The current study aimed at investigating the role of Nitric Oxide (NO) in the maintenance of anxiety and depression induced by stress in male Wistar rats using intra-Basolateral Amygdala (BLA) injection of NO precursor, L-arginine, Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and L-NAME. Methods: Two 23-gauge stainless steel cannulas were placed in the BLA, stereotaxically. Seven days later, animals experienced electro foot shock stress based on the following protocol: animals experienced four sessions of stress for 60 minutes in four consecutive days. Five minutes before each stress session, the animals received different doses of L-arginine or L-NAME (1, 5 and, 10 μg/rat) or saline (0.5 μL/rat) intra-BLA. Six days after the stress termination, animals were tested for maintenance of anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze; EPM) and eight days after the stress they were examined for depression (forced swimming test; FST). Results: Stress reduced the time and number of open arms and decreased motor activity on EPM. Stress-induced anxiety was inhibited by L-arginine and L-NAME (1, 5, and 10 µg/rat). L-Arginine and L-NAME induced anxiety in non-stressed rats. Stress also increased the immobility time in animals in FST paradigm. Interestingly, both L-arginine and L-NAME, in all doses reduced the stress effect. Conclusion: BLA nitric oxide may play a pivotal role in anxiety and depression induced by stress in rats. Since the effects of both L-arginine and L-NAME were similar, NO might have a modulatory role in the BLA.

Introduction: The present research aimed to examine Visual Working Memory (VWM) test scores, as well as hormonal, genomic, and brain anatomic changes in the male rhesus macaques exposed to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field (ELF-MF). Methods: Four monkeys were exposed to two different ELF-MF frequencies: 1 Hz (control) and 12 Hz (experiment) with 0.7 µT (magnitude) 4 h/d for 30 consecutive days. Before and after the exposure, VWM test was conducted using a coated devise on a movable stand. About 10 mL of the animals blood was obtained from their femoral vain and used to evaluate their melatonin concentration. Blood lymphocytes were used for assaying the expressions of N-Methyl-D-aspartate NMDA-receptor genes expression before and after ELF exposure. Anatomical changes of hippocampus size were also assessed using MRI images. Results: Results indicated that VWM scores in primates exposed to 12 Hz frequency ELF increased significantly. Plasma melatonin level was also increased in these animals. However, these variables did not change in the animals exposed to 1 Hz ELF. At last, expression of the NMDA receptors increased at exposure to 12 Hz frequency. However, hippocampal volume did not increase significantly in the animals exposed to both frequencies. Conclusion: In short, these results indicate that ELF (12 Hz) may have a beneficial value for memory enhancement (indicated by the increase in VWM scores). This may be due to an increase in plasma melatonin and or expression of NMDA glutamate receptors. However, direct involvement of the hippocampus in this process needs more research.

Introduction: Video games are common cultural issues with great influence in all societies. One of the important cognitive effects of video games is on creating stress on video players. The present research objective was to study different types of stress in players based on video game styles. Methods: A total of 80 players, aged 18 to 30 years, played four types of video games;.Runner game, Excitement game, Fear game, and Puzzle game. In the beginning, the players filled in the form of personal information as well as some general and specialized information on the games. Before starting each game, the saliva samples of the players were collected to measure their level of cortisol and α-amylase. At the end of each game, the same samples were collected again. The concentrations of cortisol and α-amylase were measured using a specialized kit and an ELISA device. In addition, the variations of brain waves were recorded by an Emotiv system. Finally, the data were analyzed in SPSS and Matlab system (after and before playing video game). Results: The research findings revealed that the salivary α-amylase concentration increased significantly after playing the Fear game, Runner game, and Excitement game and decreased significantly after playing the Puzzle game. Moreover, the concentration of salivary cortisol increased significantly after playing the Runner game, Excitement game, and Fear game and decreased significantly after playing the Puzzle game. The brain wave analysis also revealed that the level of stress experienced by playing Fear game was higher than the Excitement game. Conclusion: According to the research findings, video games can affect the stress system as well as the cognitive system of humans depending on the game style. In addition, the type and level of stress triggered in the players depend on the game style.

Introduction: The role of different parts of the extended amygdala in metabolic signs of stress is not well understood. In the present study, we decided to evaluate the impact of the shell part of nucleus accumbens (NAc) on metabolic disturbance induced by electro foot shock stress using transient inactivation method in the rat. Methods: Male Wistar rats (W: 230-250 g) were canuulated unilaterally in the shell part of nucleus accumbens and left one week for recovery. Five minutes before each stress session, the animals either received sterile saline (0.25 µl/side) (control) or lidocaine 2% (0.25 µl/side) (experiment). Blood samples were taken from rats’ retro-orbital sinus for plasma corticosterone measurements. In addition, animals’ weight gain, food and water intake, locomotor activity, and rearing were recorded. Results: Stress reduced weight gain and food intake, increased water intake and plasma corticosterone level, and reduces locomotor activity and rearing. Transient inactivation of the right side of the NAc inhibits the stress effect on weight gain, water intake and plasma corticosterone level, but not food intake. However, when the left side of the NAc was inactivated, only weight gain was affected and other parameters were not differing from stress group. Even thought, the plasma corticosterone level was elevated. Conclusion: In conclusion, our data indicated that right side of shell part of NAc transient inactivation leads to reduction in metabolic signs of stress but left side of shell part of the NAc inactivation even exacerbates stress signs.

The catastrophic effects of opioids use on public health and the economy are documented clearly in numerous studies. Repeated morphine administration can lead to either a decrease (tolerance) or an increase (sensitization) in its behavioral and rewarding effects. Morphine-induced sensitization is a major problem and plays an important role in abuse of the opioid drugs. Studies reported that morphine may exert its effects by the release of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a potent neuromodulator, which is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). However, the exact role of NO in the opioid-induced sensitization is unknown. In this study, we reviewed the role of NO on opioid-induced sensitization in 2 important, rewarding regions of the brain: nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmentum. In addition, we focused on the contribution of NO on opioid-induced sensitization in the limbic system.

Introduction: Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders in the world with occurs with higher incidence in women. In the present study, the effect of water-alcoholic extract of Papaver rhoeas L. on forced swimming test (FST) in Swiss-Webster mice were examined. Methods: We used Swiss-Webster mice (20-25 g) to execute FST on them. The plant extract (1, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) was injected to the animals 30 minutes before each session. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) was used as standard antidepressant drug. In another group of animals, 30 minutes after extract administration, blood samples were taken from retro-orbital sinus for corticosterone assay. Yet in third group, the drugs were injected to the animals and 30 minutes later, their activities were tested in an open field apparatus. Results: Our experiments showed that the extract efficiently reduced FST time both in male and female mice dose-dependently. This effect was comparable with fluoxetine. In addition, corticosterone assay indicated that plasma corticosterone in animals which received extract was higher than those amounts in fluoxetine and saline controls. Moreover, the animals did not show any motor activity deficit in all doses of the extract and fluoxetine compared to saline control. Conclusion: The extract of Papaver rhoeas can reduce immobility time which is comparable to the effect of fluoxetine. Also the effect of the extract is contrary to its effects on plasma corticosterone level and or animals’ activity.

Introduction: The brain glutamate neurotransmitter system and its NMDA receptors in the nucleus accumbens play an important role in the incidence of the phenomena of sensitivity and addiction. The present study examined the inhibitory effect of glutamate NMDA receptors in the nucleus accumbens in response to chronic stress. Methods: After the unilateral and bilateral cannula placement in the nucleus accumbens, one group of the animals received different intra-accumbens doses of memantine (0.1, 0.5 and 1 µg/mouse) 5 minutes before receiving the electric shock stress at their soles (using a Communication Box) and the other group received intraperitoneal doses of memantine (0.1, 0.5 and 1mg/kg) 30 minutes before receiving the same shock. Chronic stress increased the animals' plasma corticosterone, food and water intake and weight and reduced their defecation rates and eating latency. Results: The intraperitoneal administration of memantine increased plasma corticosterone, water intake, fecal weight and eating latency, but had no effect on food intake or weight. The dose and site-dependent intra-accumbens administration of memantine either exacerbated the effects of stress on plasma corticosterone levels and water and food intake, or else had no effect on these parameters. Furthermore, the administration of memantine had no effect on animal’s weight and inhibited the effects of stress on fecal weight and eating latency. Discussion: The inhibition of glutamate NMDA receptors in the nucleus accumbens can inhibit and/or exacerbate the dose and site-dependent effects of chronic stress, with gender playing a significant role in producing this effect.

Introduction: Computer games have attracted remarkable attentions in general publics with different cultures and their effects are subject of research by cognitive neuroscientists. In the present study, possible effects of the game Fifa 2015 on cognitive performance, hormonal levels, and electroencephalographic (EEG) signals were evaluated in young male volunteers. Methods: Thirty two subjects aged 20 years on average participated mutually in playing computer game Fifa 2015. Identification information and general knowledge about the game were collected. Saliva samples from the contestants were obtained before and after the competition. Perceptive and cognitive performance including the general cognitive health, response delay, attention maintenance, and mental fatigue were measured using PASAT test. EEG were recorded during the play using EEG device and analyzed later using QEEG. Simultaneously, the players’ behavior were recorded using a video camera. Saliva cortisol levels were assessed by ELISA kit. Data were analyzed by SPSS program. Results: The impact of playing computer games on cortisol concentration of saliva before and after the game showed that the amount of saliva plasma after playing the game has dropped significantly. Also the impact of playing computer games on mental health, before and after the game indicated that the number of correct answers has not changed significantly. This indicates that sustained attention has increased in participants after the game in comparison with before that. Also it is shown that mental fatigue measured by PASAT test, did not changed significantly after the game in comparison to before that. The impact of game on changes in brain waves showed that the subjects in high activity state during playing the game had higher power of the EEG signals in most of the channels in lower frequency bands in compared to normal state. Discussion: The present study showed that computer games can positively affect the stress system and the perceptual-cognitive system. Even though this impact was not significant in most cases, the changes in cognitive and hormonal test and also in brain waves were visible. Hence, due to the importance of this matter, it is necessary to create control systems in selecting the types of games for playing.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs following life-threatening events. The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which serves as the first line of defense against stress, is dysfunctional in this disorder. The current study aimed to investigate the role of Crocin in normalizing HPA function in an animal model of PTSD induced by electric foot shock. Rats were treated with Crocin 5 min prior to stress induction. The stimulus was re-introduced after 21 days, and we measured individual behaviors such as sniffing, rearing, grooming, and freezing. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to measure plasma levels of Corticosterone. On day 28, after rats were weighed and sacrificed, the adrenal and thymus glands were removed and subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantify the gene expression of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), glucocorticoid receptor (GluR), and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Our results demonstrate that rats re-exposed to a stressor developed characteristic symptoms of PTSD, but these were attenuated by Crocin. Treated rats showed significant changes in CRH expression in the hypothalamus, GluR expression in the pituitary, plasma Corticosterone levels, and freezing behavior. Together, these findings suggest that Crocin can regulate HPA axis activity in PTSD. It may serve an appropriate treatment for subjects who experience a traumatic event.

Introduction: In the present research, the effect of morphine consumption during pregnancy on the development of the embryo’s spinal cord was studied in Wistar rat. Methods: Female Wistar rats (Wt: 250-300 g) were mated with males. The test group received morphine (0.01 mg/ml) in their drinking water. Pregnant rats were later killed with chloroform on the 12th, 13th and 14th days of pregnancy, and the embryos were taken out surgically. The embryos were fixed in formalin 10% for 2 weeks. Then, the weight of fixed embryos was calculated by a scale. In addition, several animals’ sizes including fronto-posterior and lateral length were measured by a caliper. Tissue processing, sectioning and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were applied for the embryos. The sections were examined for spinal cord development by light microscope and MOTIC software. Results: Significant decrease was observed in the fronto-posterior and lateral length and the weight of the embryos in the test groups. The thickness of the white matter layer decreased on the 12th, 13th and 14th embryonic days. The thickness of the spine's grey layer was also less than the control group, on the same days. Increase in the length of the ependimal duct observed as well. Number of grey substance cells decreased compared to the control group within the same days. Meanwhile, thickness of the germinal layer reduced in comparison to the control group on the mentioned days. Discussion: In conclusion, morphine consumption during pregnancy causes defects in growth and completion of the spinal cord.

Introduction: Consumption of morphine, during pregnancy, in addition to inducing defects in the mother’s nervous system function, caused defects or delays in the formation and evolution of embryonic visual system. In the present study, changes in lens development were assessed in embryos exposed to morphine in utero. Methods: Female Wistar rats (250-300 g) were mated with male rats and pregnancy was determined by sperm observation in vaginal smear. This day was considered as embryonic day zero (E0). The females were then divided randomly into the experimental and the control groups. The control group received tap water and the experimental group received morphine (0.05 mg/ml) in their water. On embryonic day 13 ( E13), blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital sinus of all animals for plasma corticosterone detection. On embryonic day 17(E17), the animals were killed by an overdose of chloroform and the embryos were taken out surgically. The embryos were fixed in 10% formalin for 30 days. At this time, the head of the embryos were removed for tissue processing and Hematoxylin- Eosin (H&E) staining. The samples were evaluated using light microscope and MOTIC software. Results: Our data indicated that plasma corticosterone level was dramatically increased and the lens was thinner in the experimental group. (Although the proliferation of lens cells increased in the experiment group but that lens had delay in removing the proliferated and elongation cells with abnormal density in the lateral part of the lens in comparison with the control group). Moreover, the opening of the eyelids was delayed in the off springs of the mothers who received morphine. Discussion: This study showed that morphine consumption during pregnancy leads to defects in fetal visual system development, particularly in the lens, and eyelids.

Objective: Consumption of morphine, during pregnancy, in addition to inducing defects in the mother’s nervous system function, caused defects or delays in the formation and evolution of embryonic visual system. In the present study, changes in lens development was assessed in embryos exposed in utero to morphine. Material and Methods: Female Wistar rats (250-300 g) were mated with male rats and pregnancy was determined by sperm observation in vaginal smear. This day was considered as embryonic day zero (E0). The females were then divided randomly into the experimental and the control groups. The control group received tap water and the experimental group received morphine (0.05 mg/ml) in their water. On embryonic day 13 ( E13), blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital sinus of all animals for plasma corticosterone detection. On embryonic day 17(E17), the animals were killed by an overdose of chloroform and the embryos were taken out surgically. The embryos were fixed in 10% formalin for 30 days. At this time, the head of the embryos were removed for tissue processing and Hematoxylin- Eosin (H&E) staining. The samples were evaluated using light microscope and MOTIC software. Results: Our data indicated that plasma corticosterone level was dramatically increased and the lens was thinner in the experimental group. (Although the proliferation of lens cells increased in the experiment group but that lens had delay in removing the proliferated and elongation cells with abnormal density in the lateral part of the lens in compare with control group.) I have no idea what the authors are stating here. Moreover, the opening of the eyelids was delayed in the off springs of the mothers who received morphine. Conclusions: This study showed that morphine consumption during pregnancy leads to defects in fetal visual system development, particularly in the lens, and eyelids.

Introduction: It has been shown that the extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia can inhibit inflammation and pain induced by formalin in mice and rats. The aim of the present study is to reach evaluations of possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of Elaeagnus angustifolia extract in reducing pain and inflammation through examining the extract ability for inhibition of cyclooxygenase (Cox) type 1 and 2 enzymes and corticosterone release from adrenal glands in mice. Methods: Male Swiss Webster mice were evaluated through the injection of 2 μliters to the plantar part of right foot. Elaeagnus angustifolia extract was injected to the animals 30 minutes before formalin. In order to evaluate the mechanism of extract, naloxone and memantine were administered intrapretonealy 30 minutes before the extract administration. In separate groups, after injection of extract, blood samples were taken from animals and corticosterone concentrations were measured. In an in vitro study the effect of extract on the activity of cyclooxygenase type 1 and 2 was assessed. Results: the research data showed the ineffectiveness of the extract on acute phase of pain induced by formalin but it completely inhibits the chronic phase. Naloxone and Memantine administration had no effect on the efficacy of extract in the chronic phase. Also the extract administration did not increase the plasma concentration of corticosterone in mice, but in vitro inhibited Cox1 and Cox 2 enzymes. Discussion: These results indicate that Elaeagnus angustifolia extract probably reducesww pain and inflammation caused by formalin in mice by inhibiting cyclooxygenase type 1 and 2 enzymes.

Introduction: It has been shown that the extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia can inhibit inflammation and pain induced by formalin in mice and rats. The aim of the present study is to reach evaluations of possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of Elaeagnus angustifolia extract in reducing pain and inflammation through examining the extract ability for inhibition of cyclooxygenase (Cox) type 1 and 2 enzymes and corticosterone release from adrenal glands in mice. Methods: Male Swiss Webster mice were evaluated through the injection of 2 μliters to the plantar part of right foot. Elaeagnus angustifolia extract was injected to the animals 30 minutes before formalin. In order to evaluate the mechanism of extract, naloxone and memantine were administered intrapretonealy 30 minutes before the extract administration. In separate groups, after injection of extract, blood samples were taken from animals and corticosterone concentrations were measured. In an in vitro study the effect of extract on the activity of cyclooxygenase type 1 and 2 was assessed. Results: the research data showed the ineffectiveness of the extract on acute phase of pain induced by formalin but it completely inhibits the chronic phase. Naloxone and Memantine administration had no effect on the efficacy of extract in the chronic phase. Also the extract administration did not increase the plasma concentration of corticosterone in mice, but in vitro inhibited Cox1 and Cox 2 enzymes. Discussion: These results indicate that Elaeagnus angustifolia extract probably reducesww pain and inflammation caused by formalin in mice by inhibiting cyclooxygenase type 1 and 2 enzymes.

Effects of intra-central amygdala administration of L-arginine, a nitric oxide precursor, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester (L NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, on the morphine-induced sensitization and also on the expression of morphine-induced place conditioning in rats were studied. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine (2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg/kg) induced place conditioning. Repeated pretreatment of morphine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by 5 days no drug treatment, increased place conditioning induced by morphine (0.5 mg/kg). Repeated intra-central amygdala administration of L-arginine (0.3, 1 and 3 μg/ rat), with morphine during acquisition of sensitization, significantly increased or reduced morphine place conditioning in sensitized rats. The drug administration before testing also increased and reduced the expression of morphine place conditioning in sensitized animals. Repeated intra-central amygdala injections of L-NAME (0.3, 1 and 3 μg/rat) with morphine during acquisition of sensitization, reduced the acquisition of morphine place conditioning in the sensitized animals. The drug injection before testing also reduced morphine-induced conditioning. The results indicate that nitric oxide (NO) within the central amygdala may be involved in the acquisition and expression of morphine place conditioning in morphine-sensitized rats.

Effects of intra-central amygdala administration of L-arginine, a nitric oxide precursor, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester (L NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, on the morphine-induced sensitization and also on the expression of morphine-induced place conditioning in rats were studied. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine (2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg/kg) induced place conditioning. Repeated pretreatment of morphine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by 5 days no drug treatment, increased place conditioning induced by morphine (0.5 mg/kg). Repeated intra-central amygdala administration of L-arginine (0.3, 1 and 3 μg/ rat), with morphine during acquisition of sensitization, significantly increased or reduced morphine place conditioning in sensitized rats. The drug administration before testing also increased and reduced the expression of morphine place conditioning in sensitized animals. Repeated intra-central amygdala injections of L-NAME (0.3, 1 and 3 μg/rat) with morphine during acquisition of sensitization, reduced the acquisition of morphine place conditioning in the sensitized animals. The drug injection before testing also reduced morphine-induced conditioning. The results indicate that nitric oxide (NO) within the central amygdala may be involved in the acquisition and expression of morphine place conditioning in morphine-sensitized rats.

Background. Stress and its consequences are among the causes of accidents. Objective. The effects of intraventral tegmental area (I-VTA) memantine on the plasma corticosterone and eating parameters disturbance induced by acute stress were investigated. Methods. Male Wistar rats (W: 250–300 g) were divided into control and experiential groups, each of which received memantine either intra-VTA or peripherally. One week after bilateral cannulation, the rats received memantine (1 and 5 μg/Rat) five min before electroshock stress. The other experimental groups received memantine (1 and 5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally 30 min before stress. The control groups received saline or memantine but did not experience stress. Food and water intake and plasma corticosterone level were recorded. Results. Results showed that stress decreases food intake but does not change water intake and increase in plasma corticosterone level. Intraperitoneal memantine administration slightly inhibits the stress effects on food intake. However, water intake and plasma corticosterone level were increased. Intra-VTA memantine reduces the effects of stress on corticosterone and water intake. Conclusion. It could be concluded that inhibition of glutamate NMDA receptors in the VTA by memantine leads to the inhibition of the eating behavior parameters and plasma corticosterone level disturbance induced by stress in rats.

In the 1960s, discovery of pleasure system (defined as reward system) in the brain that may underlie drug reward and addiction encouraged many scientists to investigate the mechanisms by which drug abuse affects central nervous system function. In this regard, investigators developed several drugs targeting the brain reward system for drug dependence therapy. However, no positive results obtained in drug addiction treatment. It seems that more brain systems other than brain reward system must be considered in this regard.