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Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an essential polyphenolic constituent found in tea leaves, possesses various potent biological activities. This research was undertaken to investigate the impact of EGCG against endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated inflammation and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanism in type 2 diabetic kidneys. The male rats were randomized into four groups: normal, diabetic, low-dose EGCG, and high-dose EGCG. In type 2 diabetic rats, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia noticeably caused renal structural damage and dysfunction and aggravated ER stress. Meanwhile, sustained ER stress activated the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and then upregulated the contents of inflammatory cytokines in the diabetic kidney. Following supplementation with 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg EGCG, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and renal histopathological alterations and dysfunction were noticeably ameliorated; renal ER stress, NLRP3 inflammasome, and inflammatory response were markedly repressed in the EGCG treatment groups. In summary, the current study highlighted the renoprotective effects of EGCG in type 2 diabetes and its mechanisms are mainly associated with the repression of ER stress-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome overactivation.

In this study, A549 cells treated by radioactive 125I seed were sequenced using Illumina HiSeq PE150, and then the transcriptome was analyzed using bioinformatics methods. Gene ontology classification analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) belonged to 10 categories, and low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group 125I treatment obtained 440 DEGs, 4275 DEGs and 2850 DEGs, respectively. Additionally, DEGs were involved in tumor-related pathways, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and cell cycle pathways. Therefore, radioactive 125I seed can significantly inhibit the growth of lung cancer, which provide a theoretical basis for the clinical 125I seed to effectively treat lung cancer.

The A3+B5+O4 binary oxides have a variety of different structures—monoclinic, and tetragonal—making them suitable candidates for laser hosts, energy storage, microwave dielectric substrates, etc. In this work, we prepared two tetragonal AVO4 (A = Eu, Y) ceramics with zircon structure. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been used to study phase purity of the zircon-type AVO4 (A = Eu, Y) ceramics. There was a significant correlation between microwave dielectric properties and relative density. Dense EuVO4 and YVO4 ceramics sintered at 1180 °C and 1240 °C exhibited promising microwave dielectric properties with er = 11.6 and 9.9, Q × f = 46,862 GHz and 56,174 GHz, τf = − 49.6 ppm/°C and − 43.7 ppm/°C, respectively. In addition, the relationship between microwave dielectric properties and crystal structure of AVO4 (A = Eu, Y) ceramics were discussed by packing fraction and bond valence theory in detail.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of artificial femoral head replacement and Proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in the treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 60 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with PFNA and artificial femoral head replacement from 2015.06 to 2018.06, of which 34 were in the PFNA group (Group A) and 26 in the artificial femoral head replacement group (Group B). Statistical analysis of relevant surgical indicators such as surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood transfusion, postoperative time to landing, postoperative infection rate, hospital stay, number of secondary operations, postoperative VAS score, and postoperative Hip function score comparison. Results: All 60 patients were followed up for 1 - 24 months. Compared with the artificial femoral head replacement group, the operation time of PFNA group was shorter, the blood loss during operation was less, and the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: The hip joint function and pain scores of the artificial femoral head replacement group in the early and follow-up periods are better than those of the PFNA group. The artificial femoral head replacement is more suitable for the treatment of elderly unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Infections caused by drug-resistant "superbugs" pose an urgent public health threat due to the lack of effective drugs; however, certain mammalian proteins with intrinsic antibacterial activity might be underappreciated. Here, we reveal an antibacterial property against Gram-negative bacteria for factors VII, IX and X, three proteins with well-established roles in initiation of the coagulation cascade. These factors exert antibacterial function via their light chains (LCs). Unlike many antibacterial agents that target cell metabolism or the cytoplasmic membrane, the LCs act by hydrolyzing the major components of bacterial outer membrane, lipopolysaccharides, which are crucial for the survival of Gram-negative bacteria. The LC of factor VII exhibits in vitro efficacy towards all Gram-negative bacteria tested, including extensively drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens, at nanomolar concentrations. It is also highly effective in combating XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii infections in vivo. Through decoding a unique mechanism whereby factors VII, IX and X behave as antimicrobial proteins, this study advances our understanding of the coagulation system in host defense, and suggests that these factors may participate in the pathogenesis of coagulation disorder-related diseases such as sepsis via their dual functions in blood coagulation and resistance to infection. Furthermore, this study may offer new strategies for combating Gram-negative "superbugs".

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an emerging technology that has attracted the attention of many researchers in many fields and disciplines. In this study, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma device was used to treat Schwann cells (SCs) cultured in vitro, and the effect of CAP on SCs proliferation was evaluated by cell morphology, cell viability, cell cycle and expression of related proteins in SCs. The results showed that the production of intracellular ROS and RNS increased with the increase of CAP treatment time. Compared with the control group, the proliferation of SCs treated with CAP for less than 14 s significantly increased, and and then gradually decreased. Besides, the cell cycle results also showed that more cells were in the S+G2/M phase at this time.The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was activated by low-dose CAP, and the expression of cyclinD1 was consistent with the trend of cell proliferation. In addition, n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) preconditioning significantly prevented CAP-induced cellular changes. In conclusion, low-dose CAP-induced of SCs proliferation was closely related to the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This study provides a new idea for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.

Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortalities worldwide, partly due to the absence of effective therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Therefore, novel molecular targets are critical to develop new therapeutic approaches for liver cancer. In the present study, ceramide synthase-4 (CERS4) was investigated as a novel molecular target for liver cancer. High expression of CERS4 in liver cancer tissues was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Subsequently, CERS4 was silenced by lentivirus-mediated RNA interfere, and the proliferation rates of liver cancer cells were significantly suppressed (P

The purpose of this study is to provide a culture for mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and peritoneal macrophages (PM) and to characterize their molecular and cellular biology. The cell number and purity from the primary culture were assessed by cell counter and flow cytometry, respectively. Morphological features were evaluated by inverted microscope. Phagocytosis by macrophages was detected by the neutral red dye uptake assay. Phenotypic markers were analyzed by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Our results show that the cell number was much higher from culture of BMDM than PM, while there was no significant difference regarding the percentage of F4/80+CD11b+ cells (98.30%±0.53% vs. 94.83%±1.42%; P0.05). The proliferation rate of BMDM was significantly higher than PM in the presence of L929 cell conditioned medium, by using CCK-8 assay. However, PM appeared to adhere to the flask wall and extend earlier than BMDM. The phagocytosis capability of un-stimulated BMDM was significantly higher than PM, as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BMDM, except the BMDM stimulated by low dose LPS (0.1 μg/mL). Furthermore, Tnfα expression was significantly higher in un-stimulated BMDM than PM, while Arg1 and Ym1 mRNA expression were significantly lower than PM. The expression difference was persistent if stimulated by LPS+IFN-γ or IL-4. Our data indicate that bone marrow can get larger amounts of macrophages than peritoneal cavity. However, it should be aware that the molecular and cellular characteristics were different between these two culture systems.本研究旨在对比分析小鼠骨髓源巨噬细胞 (BMDM) 和腹腔巨噬细胞 (PM) 原代培养及巨噬细胞生物学特性差异，为合理选择原代巨噬细胞培养方法提供参考依据。原代培养小鼠BMDM 和PM，细胞计数仪测定细胞数量，倒置显微镜观察形态学变化，流式细胞仪检测细胞纯度，CCK-8 法测定细胞增殖，中性红吞噬实验测定细胞吞噬功能，实时荧光定量PCR 分析巨噬细胞表型变化。结果显示，BMDM 原代培养获取的细胞数量显著高于PM (P0.01)，PM 贴壁及伸展时间早于BMDM。BMDM 中F4/80+CD11b+百分比 (98.30%±0.53%) 高于PM(94.83%±1.42%)，但无统计学差异 (P0.05)。在L929 细胞条件培养基培养体系中，BMDM 增殖能力显著高于PM (P0.001)。吞噬实验发现，基础状态下BMDM 吞噬能力显著高于PM (P0.01)，经LPS 刺激24 h 后，除低剂量LPS (0.1 μg/mL) 外，BMDM 吞噬能力均显著高于PM (P0.01 或P0.001)，提示BMDM 吞噬能力在基础和激活状态下均强于PM。巨噬细胞极化实验发现，基础状态下Tnfα 在BMDM 中表达显著高于PM (P0.001)，Arg1和Ym1 在BMDM 中表达显著低于PM (P0.001)，这一差异在极化诱导剂 (LPS+IFN-γ 或IL-4) 处理后依然存在。上述结果表明，原代培养BMDM 较PM 可获取更多细胞，且两种细胞在吞噬功能和极化状态上存在一定生物学差异，应谨慎合理选择巨噬细胞原代培养方法。.

The bioaccumulation of hexavalent uranium (U(VI)) on Candida utilis (C. utilis) and its biological effects were investigated via batch and biologic techniques. The bioaccumulation mechanism of U(VI) and C. utilis were characterized by SEM, TEM, FT-IR and XPS. The batch results showed that C. utilis had a high adsorption capacity (41.15 mg/g wet cells at pH 5.0) and high equilibrium rate (~100% within 3.5 h). The analysis of intracellular hydrogen peroxides and malondialdehyde suggested that the growth of C. utilis was inhibited under different concentrations of U(VI) due to the abundant production of reactive oxide species. The activity of intracellular antioxidants (e.g., super oxide dismutase and glutathione) was significantly enhanced under U(VI) stress, indicating the anti-toxic effect of C. utilis cells under low U(VI) stress. These results indicated that C. utilis is an ideal biosorbent for removing radionuclides in environmental remediation.

Two microwave dielectric ceramics ReVO4 (Re = Nd, Sm) prepared through a conventional solid-state reaction method were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that pure and dense NdVO4 and SmVO4 ceramics with tetragonal structure could be obtained when sintered in the temperature range 1100°C-1180°C for 4 h. The samples sintered at 1160°C exhibited the best densification with relative densities larger than 96%. NdVO4 ceramic exhibited promising microwave dielectric properties with a relative permittivity (er) of 12.0, a quality factor (Q × f) of 36,440 GHz, and a negative temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (τf) of −44.3 ppm/°C. SmVO4 had a er ∼ 11.7, a Q × f ∼ 38,620 GHz and a τf ∼ −48.4 ppm/°C.

La2−xBixTi2O7 solid solutions with x ranging from 0.05 to 0.3 were formed through bismuth substitution. Dense and textured ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering. Dielectric spectra indicated an increase in the room-temperature dielectric constant accompanied by a significant drop in the loss tangent as the bismuth content increased. The enhancement in dielectric properties was attributed to the high polarizability of the Bi3+ ion with a lone electron pair. The Curie temperature (Tc) was decreased whereas the d33 value was enhanced. A textured ceramic, Bi0.1La1.9Ti2O7, with Tc~1395±5, and d33~3.6±0.1 pC/N was obtained. Complex impedance analysis confirmed the phase transition from orthorhombic Cmc21 to monoclinic P21 in x=0.2 at ~800 °C. The observed dielectric relaxation in the temperature range 600–1000 °C was ascribed to originate from the Maxwell–Wagner effect.

Novel silica rich core-sheath ceramic microfibers where yttria stabilized zirconia core referring as ZY@S have been developed by co-axial electrospinning for dental composites reinforcement. The out layer enables sufficient silanization and refractive index with resin matrix. Majority composition of these microfibers was silica. The 2.5% or 5% ZY@S microfibers reinforced dental composites have improved flexural strength and modulus than control without microfibers. The composites reinforced by ZY@S microfibers retain translucency and esthetics. The results have demonstrated that these novel structured ceramic microfibers are potential reinforcing materials for dental composites.

Polygonatum cyrtonema lectin (PCL), a mannose/sialic acid-binding lectin isolated from the rhizomes of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, has been reported to possess remarkable anti-tumour effects via inducing apoptosis and autophagy. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms mediating PCL-induced apoptosis and autophagy in A549 cells. Herein, we found that the treatment of A549 cells with PCL caused a remarkable generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) inhibited PCL-induced apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, PCL treatment activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) members extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), JNK and p38, JNK inhibitor and p38 inhibitor partially reduced PCL-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, PCL administration activated NF-κB survival pathway in A549 cells, NF-κB inhibitor Bay11-7082 promoted PCL-induced apoptosis. Importantly, we found PCL may bind to the cell surface in a mannose-specific manner, and was then internalized and accumulated primarily onto the mitochondria. These findings may provide a new perspective of PCL as a potential anti-tumour drug targeting apoptosis and autophagy pathways for future cancer therapeutics.

Objective To investigate the effects of condylar extracapsular injuries on the development of the mandibular condyle and try to find a way to treat condylar hyperplasia by electively using such injuries to restrict the overdeveloped mandibular condyle. Study Design Sixty 6-month-old beagle puppies were divided randomly into five groups: blank control; unilateral fracture to the condylar neck; unilateral fracture to the condylar neck treated with rigid internal fixation; unilateral periosteum injury; unilateral decortication of the condylar neck. Computed tomography, 99 mTc single-photon emission computed tomography, and tetracycline–calcein double-labeling were performed after surgery. The puppies were sacrificed 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Morphologic analyses and examination of growth activity were done. Results Unilateral fracture of the condylar neck without fixation caused local morphologic changes during the early postoperative period, but compensatory growth of the condyle altered such changes after healing. The other types of injury failed to inhibit the growth of the condyle and the mandible, whereas functional deviation of the chin was found after unilateral fracture of the condylar neck with or without fixation. Conclusions The four types of extracapsular injury described here failed to inhibit the growth of the mandibular condyle and could not be selected as alternatives to treat condylar hyperplasia.

Variations in root number and canal morphology are challenges for successful endodontic therapy. This report describes 2 endodontically managed maxillary first molars with asymmetric presentation of unusual palatal root morphology. These included the left maxillary first molar with a single palatal root and 2 palatal canals and the right maxillary first molar with 2 separate palatal roots with 1 canal in each root. An accurate diagnosis was confirmed with the help of spiral computerized tomography. This case report discusses this asymmetric variation in the palatal root morphology and highlights the value of spiral computerized tomography in diagnosis of such unusual cases.

This case report describes an unusual maxillary first molar variant of a single fused buccal root canal. This morphology of root canal was further confirmed by spiral computerized tomography and transverse sectioning of contralateral tooth in vitro.

Dendritic cells (DC) are specialized cells that capture and present antigen to T cells. Recent advances have been made in understanding their origin, heterogeneity, and the signals that induce their migration and maturation resident microglia are antigen-presenting cells (APC) involved in stimulation or reactivation of CNS-targeted T cells. Generation of DC from microglia, as demonstrated ex vivo, may support GM-CSF-driven differentiation of brain DC from local, likely, microglial progenitors. Here, we report the establishment of long-term cultures of rat ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) using specific supplemented media for induction. These EMSCs share some morphological characteristics and the allostimulatory capacity of classical DCs, and when transplanted into the brain using a rat glioma model survive within the cortex, and are morphologically and phenotypically similar to microglia over 7 days. Our findings related to the development and differentiation of microglial progenitors support the view that microglia are derived prenatally from mesodermal progenitors that are distinct from monocytes.

We have examined, by immunocytochemical methods and nociceptive behavior assessment in rats, whether astrocytes in the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) are involved in the regulation of traumatic occlusion. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in PBN of ipsilateral and contralateral sides was up-regulated 4 h after occlusal changes in molars, reached peak levels at 24 h, and was then gradually down-regulated. PBN astrocytes activated by traumatic occlusion were found to have enlarged cell bodies and thickened processes within 8 h. An inhibitor of glia metabolism (FCA, fluorocitrate) reduced astrocyte activation and significantly attenuated the development of pain hypersensitivity in this model. The results suggested that the GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in PBN within the bridge of Varolius were activated by traumatic occlusion, and that they were involved in the transmission and modulation of nociceptive information in the central nervous system. However, although astrocytes in PBN are thus probably involved in causing post-occlusal hyperalgesia, we have not been able to exclude that astrocytes at other locations also contribute to this effect.

Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is rich in anthocyanin pigments, which are valuable constituents of the human diet. Techniques to identify and quantify anthocyanins and their antioxidant potential are desirable for cultivar selection and breeding. In this study, we performed a quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis of 30 purple sweet potato (PSP) cultivars, using various assays to measure reducing power radical-scavenging activities, and linoleic acid autoxidation inhibition activity. Grey relational analysis (GRA) was applied to establish relationships between the antioxidant activities and the chemical fingerprints, in order to identify key bioactive compounds. The results indicated that four peonidin-based anthocyanins and three cyanidin-based anthocyanins make significant contributions to antioxidant activity. We conclude that the analytical pipeline described here represents an effective method to evaluate the antioxidant potential of, and the contributing compounds present in, PSP cultivars. This approach may be used to guide future breeding strategies.

The purpose of this study has been to investigate the possible effects of the normal joint cavity environment on chondrocytic differentiation of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Autologous bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crest of male sheep. MSCs were purified, expanded, and labeled with the fluorescent dye PKH26. Labeled MSCs were then grown on a three-dimensional porous scaffold of poly (L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) in vitro and implanted into the joint cavity by a surgical procedure. At 4 or 8 weeks after implantation, the implants were removed for histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. The cells labeled with red fluorescent PKH26 in the implants expressed type II collagen and synthesized sulfated proteoglycans. However, the osteoblast-specific marker, osteocalcin, was not detected by immunohistochemistry indicating that the implanted MSCs had not differentiated into osteoblasts by being directly exposed to the normal joint cavity. To investigate the possible factors involved in chondrocytic differentiation of MSCs further, we co-cultured sheep MSCs with the main components of the normal joint cavity, viz., synovial fluid or synovial cells, in vitro. After 1 or 2 weeks of co-culture, the MSCs in both co-culture systems expressed markers of chondrogenesis. These results suggest that synovial fluid and synovium from normal joint cavity are important for the chondrocytic differentiation of adult bone-marrow-derived MSCs.

Objective The study was performed to compare the 3D pharyngeal airway dimensions in adult skeletal Class II patients with different vertical growth patterns (low, normal, and high angle) and to investigate whether the upper airway dimensions of untreated skeletal Class II adults were affected by vertical skeletal variables. Methods Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) records of 64 untreated adult skeletal Class II patients (34 male and 30 female) were collected to evaluate the pharyngeal airway dimensions. Subjects were divided into three subgroups according to the GoGn-SN angle (low angle, normal angle or high angle). All subgroups were matched for sex. ANOVA and SNK - q tests were used to identify differences within and among groups (p

Four sulfide mineral reference materials, pyrite GSM-1, chalcopyrite GSM-2, galena GSM-3 and sphalerite GSM-4, have been prepared by the Institute of Rock and Mineral Analysis for collaborrative studies on their chemical composition. This paper describes the sample collection, preparation, homogeneity testing and interlaboratory certification of these samples. Some features with regard to the purification, pulverisation, stability and storage of sample are also discussed. The samples have been approved as certified reference materials by the State Bureau of Technical Supervision of China in April 1995. Quatre mineraux sulfures de reference, une pyrite (GSM-1), une chalcopyrite (GSM-2), une galene (GSM-3) et une sphalerite (GSM-4) ont ete prepares par lcar;Institut Chinois d'Analyse des Roches et Mineraux afin de servir de materiau de reference. Cet article decrit les procedures d'echantillonnage et de preparation, ainsi que les tests d'homogeneite pratiques et donne les certifications internationales de ces echantillons. Quelques points particuliers portant sur la purification, la porphyrisation, la stabilitye et le stockage des echantillons sont aussi abordes. Les echantillons ont ete approuves comme materiaux certifies de reference par le Bureau d'Etat de Supervision Technique de Chine en avril 1995.

Using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the present study compared three-dimensional (3D) changes in the pharyngeal airway and surrounding tissues in female skeletal class III patients treated with bimaxillary surgery. Twenty-nine female skeletal class III patients with both maxillary hypoplasia and a mandibular excess underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular setback combined with Le Fort I osteotomy for maxillary advancement. Volumetric measurements were performed using CBCT scans taken at 1 week presurgery and 6 months post-surgery. The oropharynx volumes and the cross-sectional area behind the soft palate decreased significantly. There was an insignificant change in the volume of the nasopharynx (P > 0.05). The hyoid bone moved downward and posteriorly after surgery. The morphology of the soft palate also changed dramatically, with an increase in the length and thickness. Negative correlations were found between the pharyngeal airway space and the position of the hyoid bone. The change in morphology of the soft palate was significantly correlated with the changes in hyoid bone position. These 3D results suggest that bimaxillary orthognathic surgery significantly changes the position of the hyoid bone and the soft palate together with a significant decrease in the pharyngeal airway space in the correction of skeletal class III malocclusion.

Orthodontic craniometric landmarks provide critical information in oral and maxillofacial imaging diagnosis and treatment planning. The Dent-landmark, defined as the odontoid process of the epistropheus, is one of the key landmarks to construct the midsagittal reference plane. In this paper, we propose a learning-based approach to automatically detect the Dent-landmark in the 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) dental data. Specifically, a detector is learned using the random forest with sampled context features. Furthermore, we use spacial prior to build a constrained search space other than use the full three dimensional space. The proposed method has been evaluated on a dataset containing 73 CBCT dental volumes and yields promising results.

In this study, we present a novel multi-landmark annotation system for cephalometric landmark annotation in 3D cone-beam CT (CBCT) images. Unlike previous annotation methods where only the axial view is visible for annotation, the new system provides users simultaneously three orthogonal views, i.e., axial, sagittal and coronal views. We compared the new system with the widely used Maeda'S method in terms of both annotation efficiency and accuracy. On a dataset containing 30 CBCT volumes, the proposed method demonstrated a clear advantage over the comparison.

It is still not known whether the glial cell activation of locus coeruleus (LC) is involved in the neurophysiologic mechanism of the acute phase of heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the glial cell activation of LC responds to acute cardiac injury (ACI).In this study, ACI was established by intramyocardial injection of formalin. Afterward, we analysed c-Fos, OX42, GFAP and P2X(4)R expression levels in the LC of the rats by immunofluorescence staining or Western blot analysis.There was no significant difference in the levels of these markers in the LC between the normal control and the sham-operated groups. Following ACI, up-regulation of GFAP, OX42 and P2X(4)R expression levels were observed in locus coeruleus of the rats. The peak expression time was at hour 24. P2X(4)R was colocalized with OX42 in activated microglias, but not with GFAP in activated astrocytes. Compared with the control group, the ACI group showed a high expression level of c-Fos at hour 1 with a peak expression level at hour 2.The results showed that LC glia cells, like neurons, could sensitively respond to cardiovascular nociception induced by ACI at different time points. Results of this study may provide insights into the role of glial activation in response to ACI and may represent a potential strategy for investigation of neurophysiologic mechanism of cardiac pain.

We have examined, by immunocytochemical methods and nociceptive behavior assessment in rats, whether astrocytes in the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) are involved in the regulation of traumatic occlusion. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in PBN of ipsilateral and contralateral sides was up-regulated 4 h after occlusal changes in molars, reached peak levels at 24 h, and was then gradually down-regulated. PBN astrocytes activated by traumatic occlusion were found to have enlarged cell bodies and thickened processes within 8 h. An inhibitor of glia metabolism (FCA, fluorocitrate) reduced astrocyte activation and significantly attenuated the development of pain hypersensitivity in this model. The results suggested that the GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in PBN within the bridge of Varolius were activated by traumatic occlusion, and that they were involved in the transmission and modulation of nociceptive information in the central nervous system. However, although astrocytes in PBN are thus probably involved in causing post-occlusal hyperalgesia, we have not been able to exclude that astrocytes at other locations also contribute to this effect.