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Objective(s): Magnesium plays an important role in the correct functioning of the nervous system and it is hardly able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) can affect memory in animal models. The current study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of action and efficacy of MgO NP in comparison to conventional magnesium oxide (C MgO) in learning and memory at the sleep-deprived model of rats.Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (200±20 gr) were divided into control, MgO NP and C MgO (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) groups. Short-term and long-term memories were evaluated by the passive avoidance test. The Columns-in-water method was used to induce sleep deprivation (SD) for 72 h in all groups. Oxidative stress markers including glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, Malone di-aldehyde, total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase, and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were assessed in the hippocampus of all animals. Also, brain and hippocampus magnesium levels were evaluated in all groups. Results: MgO NP (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly improved short and long-term memory impairment-induced by SD (P

Objective(s): This study has investigated the effects of acute and chronic administration of MgO nanoparticles (NP), on the memory, serum magnesium ions level, total antioxidant capacity and histopathological changes of the rat hippocampus in the Alzheimer-like model induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats divided into: control, sham (STZ+ saline) and MgO NP 1 and 5 mg/kg groups. To induce Alzheimer’s disease, all rats except control group, received STZ (3 mg/kg/ 5 µl of saline) into the lateral ventricles during anesthesia. One week after surgery, passive avoidance learning was started by shuttle box device and saline or MgO NP acutely and chronically was administered after training. Memory tests were done at 90 minutes and 24 hours after training and one week after chronic administration. Immediately after the memory test, serum magnesium levels and total antioxidant capacity were measured, also the brain hippocampus tissue was removed for histopathological evaluation. STZ significantly impairs memory up to a week after the training. Results: Acute and chronic administration of MgO NP significantly improved short and long-term memory in the Alzheimer’s rats. Serum magnesium level decreased in the Alzheimer’s rats and MgO NP increased it in a dose-dependent manner. MgO NP 1 mg/kg significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity. MgO NP improved STZ-induced cell lesions in different parts of the hippocampus. Conclusions: It seems that MgO NP have the potential to improve brain lesions that have led to loss of memory and can be considered as an important component candidate for Alzheimer’s disease.

Introduction: Zinc plays an important role in the function of vital organs, especially the central nervous system. Zinc homeostasis disorder causes and progresses nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer, depression, learning disabilities and stress. Zinc homeostasis in the body is mediated by ZnT and ZIP proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the expression of Znt1, Znt2, Znt3, and Znt4 genes in hippocampus cells as one of the tissues with high zinc density. Material and methods: First, the cell passage of the hippocampus cell line was performed, then the MTT assay test was performed for zinc oxide nanoparticles. In the next step, RNA extraction and CDNA synthesis were performed, and nanodrop spectrophotometer was used to ensure the purity of the RNA samples. Specific and appropriate primers of the desired genes were designed and synthesized. Then, changes in the expression of Znt1, Znt2, Znt3, and Znt4 genes were investigated using Real-Tim e RT-PCR. Results: Concentrations of 10 and 20 μg/mL of zinc oxide nanoparticles, significantly increased the expression of Znt1, Znt2, Znt3, and Znt4 genes in the hippocampus cell line of rat, while creating the lowest cytotoxicity. Conclusion: Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be investigated pharmacologically by increasing the expression of Znt1, Znt2, Znt3, and Znt4 genes in the treatment of zinc homeostasis disorders such as Alzheimer, depression, learning disabilities and stress.

Zinc transporters (ZnT) and ZIP proteins maintain Zinc homeostasis in the live organisms. On the other hand, the impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the expression of the Znt genes in biological systems were not clear yet. So that in this experimental study we have tried to find the eff ects of ZnO NPs on Znt1-4 genes expression in the hippocampus of male rats under acute stress. Adult male rats were divided into groups of control and treated with 5 or 10 mg/kg of ZnO NPs alone and under acute restraint stress for 90 min. The changes in the expression of the selected genes were monitored using real-time qRT-PCR. The ZnT4 protein expression also was measured by Western blotting. Real-time qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed that the Znt1 gene expression was up-regulated in the stress group, while the expression of the Znt1 and Znt4 genes was significantly upregulated in the group receiving 10 mg/kg of ZnO NPs. Furthermore, in the ZnO NPs 10 mg/kg group under stress, the Znt2 gene expression was down-regulated, while the Znt4 gene expression was up-regulated. Moreover, the levels of ZnT4 protein were significantly increased after 10 mg/ kg of ZnO NPs injection in the stress and normal groups. According to these results ZnO NPs administration can cause changes in the expression of a number of zinc transporter genes under stress conditions and increases the ZnT4 protein level. Therefore, this is a valuable approach for forecast investigation in biomedicine and pharmacogenetics studies.

Objective(s): Based on our previous studies about nano-ZnO effects on physiological behaviors, in this study we have investigated the effects of anxiolytic doses of nano-ZnO on electrocardiogram (ECG) sings changes in the restraint and non-restraint ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Methods: Animals (160-180 g) were divided into: control (non-OVX + saline) and OVX groups that received: saline, nano-ZnO 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, stress of 90 or 180 min + saline and stress of 180 min+ nano-ZnO 2.5 mg/kg. Anxiety-like behaviors were measured by the elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole board apparatus thirty min after intraperitoneally injections or stress induction. ECG parameters and serum zinc level were measured in all groups. Results: Ovariectomy induced anxiety and restraint stress in OVX rats increased it in the hole board test. Nano-ZnO 2.5 and 5 mg/kg improved anxiety-like behaviors in the EPM test. Nano-ZnO 2.5 mg/kg improved anxiety induced by the restraint stress in the hole board test. Nano-ZnO increased zinc level in a dose-dependent manner in the non-restraint OVX groups. Nano-ZnO 1 mg/kg decreased QRS amplitude and all doses decreased QT interval to the level of non-OVX group. Nano-ZnO 5 mg/kg decreased QTc to the level of non-OVX group. Stress of 90 min increased QT interval while stress of 180 min decreased it. Nano-ZnO after stress induction could alleviate heart rate, R-R- interval and QRS interval to the level of non-OVX group. Conclusion: It seems that nano-ZnO rather than could improve anxiety, alleviated ECG parameters in the restraint and non-restraint OVX rats.

Background and purpose: The quality of life in patients with cancer is affected by cognitive changes after chemotherapy. There are different reports about the effect of cyclophosphamide as a chemotherapy agent on cognitive function. So, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of acute and chronic injections of cyclophosphamide on passive avoidance and novel object recognition memory in an animal model. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 56 male mice (weighing 30±5g) were investigated in 8 groups, including a control group (saline) and a group that received cyclophosphamide with acute injection (single dose) and two similar groups with chronic injection (4 injections per week for 4 weeks) for passive avoidance test. In the next four groups the novel object recognition test was performed. Cyclophosphamide was injected at 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally and before training. In order to investigate the histopathology of the hippocampal tissue, the brains of the mice were removed after the tests. Data were analyzed applying independent t-test in SPSS. Results: Acute cyclophosphamide administration had no significant effect on the two types of memory, but in chronic injections, it decreased the passive avoidance memory (P

Objective(s): Nanoparticles of iron oxide (nFe2O3) are widely used in medicine and industry and could interfere with the brain processes associated with memory. The involvement of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the process of memory formation has been confirmed. The present study aimed to investigate the possible interference of the cholinergic muscarinic receptors of the dorsal hippocampal CA1 area in the memory impairment induced by nFe2O3 in adult male rats.Materials and Methods: In this study, we examined the possible involvement of the cholinergic muscarinic receptors of the dorsal hippocampal CA1 area in the memory impairment induced by nFe2O3. In total, 70 male rats were divided into 10 groups of saline (1 µl/rat)+saline (1 ml/kg; intraperitoneal [IP]), saline (1 µl/rat)+nFe2O3 (5 and 7.5 mg/kg; IP), pilocarpine (1 and 2 µg/rat)+saline (1 ml/kg), pilocarpine (1 and 2 µg/rat)+nFe2O3 (7.5 mg/kg; IP), scopolamine (1 and 2 µg/rat)+saline (1 ml/kg), and scopolamine (1 µg/rat)+ nFe2O3 (5 mg/kg; IP).Results: Pilocarpine and scopolamine were injected intra-CA1 after training and before the IP administration of nFe2O3. The latency to enter the dark compartment in the step-through apparatus and locomotor activity was performed on the animals in an open field at 24 hours and seven days after training. The results indicated that nFe2O3 (7.5 mg/kg) decreased memory retrieval (P

Introduction: Recent findings revealed the biological effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on the central nervous system. Moreover, the brain cholinergic system plays a role in the modulation of anxiety behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of dorsal hippocampal muscarinic cholinergic receptors of the CA1 area on anxiety induced by iron oxide nanoparticles in adult male rats. Materials & Methods: This experimental study was conducted on adult male Wistar rats with a weight range of 200-250 g. All animals were cannulated in the CA1 area using stereotactic surgery. One week after the recovery the intracerebroventricular injection followed by intraperitoneal (IP) injection after 5 min were administered. Anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity were performed by elevated plus maze apparatus one week after the injections. The groups were divided into control (saline), iron oxide nanoparticle (5, 7.5 mg/kg,IP), pilocarpine (1,2 µg/rat, intra-hippocampal injection), pilocarpine (1µg/rat, intra-hippocampal injection)+iron oxide nanoparticle (7.5mg/kg, IP) ,and pilocarpine (2µg/rat, intra-hippocampal injection)+iron oxide nanoparticle (7.5mg/kg, IP). Ethics code: EE/96.24.3.88369/SCU.AC.IR Findings: Iron oxide nanoparticles (7.5 mg/kg) increased the anxiety level, compared to the control group (P

Objective(s): Stress is a physiological response that can disrupt body elements homeostasis and lead to neurophysiological abnormality. This study has been investigated the serum and hippocampus Mg2+, Zn2+, Fe2+/3+ and Ca2+ level changes in two times after MgO NPs and ZnO NPs single injection following restraint stress in the male rat. Methods: Animals were divided into two main groups that each of them includes: control, restraint of 90, 180 and 360 min+ saline, MgO NPs and ZnO NPs 5 mg/kg alone and with a restraint of 90 min. In one group, 30 min and in another 120 min after intraperitoneally injections of components or stress induction elements levels were measured in the serum and hippocampus. Results: MgO NPs and ZnO NPs could change elements level in the serum and hippocampus depend on acute time after injections and there was a significant positive correlation between serums Fe2+/3+ following two different acute times after ZnO NPs administration. Different times of stress induction have different effects on elements level changes in the serum and hippocampus, 30 and 120 min after induction and nanoparticles could alleviate these changes depend on the time. In restraint groups, there were positive and negative significant correlations between two different times measurements of Fe2+/3+ or Ca2+ in the serum and hippocampus. Conclusion: it seems that time is an important factor in ameliorative MgO NPs and ZnO NPs effects on elements disruption induced by stress, but their exact interaction with stress systems containing ions level changes needs to more investigation.

Background and Aim: Anxiety is an adaptation response that is created in response to multiple physiological and environmental stresses. It is clear that involvement of various neurotransmitter systems has important role in the anxiety process. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that plays a role in many physiological reactions in the body. On the other hand, nicotine, which increases with tobacco intake, has an anxiogenic effect. Naloxone, as an opioid receptor antagonist, also plays an important role in the development of anxiety behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of naloxone-co-administered vitamin C on anxiety induced nicotine. Materials and Methods: 84 male mice (30 ± 2 gr) were randomly divided into 12 groups. Anxiety test was performed 30 minutes after intraperitoneal injection of drugs by an elevated plus maze apparatus for 5 minutes. Anxiety indices such as percentage of open arm entry (OAE%) and percentage of time staying in the open arm (OAT%) were recorded and evaluated. Findings: In this research, injection of nicotine (0.8 mg/kg, ip) increased anxiety behaviors. Vitamin C (80 mg/kg, ip) improved the nicotine-induced anxiety. This effect of vitamin C was inhibited by ineffective dose of naloxone (4 mg/kg, ip). Conclusion: It seems that vitamin C decreases anxiety behavior of nicotine in the presence of opioid receptors.

Objective(s): Our previous studies have shown that MgO nanoparticles (MgO NPs) could improve anxiety and reduce pain in animals. In this study, the effect of co administration MgO NPs and vitamin C on anxiety like behavior and nociception in postpartum depression (PPD) model were investigated.Materials and Methods: Female mice (27 ± 3 g) were divided into groups: two control groups, PPD groups: saline or MgO NPs 1, 5, 10 mg/kg (acute/ chronic), vitamin C 5 and 25 mg/kg (acute) alone or co-injected with MgO NPs 5 (acute). For induction of PPD, chronic injection of progesterone for 5 days was used and three days after progesterone withdrawn (PWD), the depression behavior was evaluated by tail suspension test. Elevated plus maze and hot plate tests were used for evaluation of anxiety and pain perception, respectively. Results: PWD induced anxiety and acute injection of MgO NPs 5 reduced anxiety while chronic injection increased anxiety (P

Aims: Many studies have been carried out about the interaction between nicotine and morphine in higher animals. Although previous behavioral and pharmacological evidence indicated the presence of opioid system in protozoa, there is no available data about nicotine effect on the potency of morphine in eukaryotic unicellular organisms such as protozoa. Hence, this work aims to investigate the interaction of nicotine with morphine in the protozoan Paramecium caudatum. Main methods: According to our innovative model, the movement behavior of P. caudatum was investigated with a numerical scale using the Sedgewick-Rafter counting chamber at the field of view of 4X light microscope objective lens, such that the difference in number of Paramecia cells at definite moments after injection of drugs/substances was considered as a criterion for the behavioral response of P. caudatum. Key findings: Results indicated the variations of morphine potency at the dose of 2 μg morphine accompanied by different doses of nicotine in P. caudatum so that the highest aggregation of Paramecia cells occurred at the dose of 2 μg morphine + 4 μg nicotine. Significance: This confirmed that in eukaryotic unicellular organisms such as P. caudatum, nicotine can reinforce the morphine potency in a dose-dependent manner.

Background & objectives: Salvia officinalis is one of the memory-enhancing herbs that were used in the past. On the other hand, iron oxide nanoparticles which are widely used in medicine and industry may impair the brain process related to memory. In this investigation, the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis on iron oxide nanoparticle induced memory impairment and the role of beta-adrenergic receptors in this effect were studied. Methods: To assess the inhibitory avoidance memory, animals were trained in the step-down task and drugs (saline, hydro-alcoholic extract of sage leaves, nanoparticles of iron oxide and propranolol) were injected immediately after training by intraperitoneal (ip) injections. Long-term memory was tested 24 hours later and step-down latencies were recorded. Results: Administration of iron oxide nanoparticles (5 mg/kg, ip) impaired memory retrieval. Salvia officinalis extract (40 mg/kg, ip) also prevented iron oxide nanoparticle induced long-term memory impairment. On the other hand, administration of propranolol (5, 10 mg/kg, ip) before Salvia officinalis extract (40 mg/kg, ip) and iron oxide nanoparticles (5 mg/kg, ip) attenuated the effect of Salvia officinalis extract. Conclusion: It seems that extract of Salvia officinalis leaves decreases iron oxide nanoparticle induced memory impairment. Beta-adrenergic mechanisms are possibly involved in these effects of Salvia officinalis extract.

Abstract Background: Failure to pass the blood-brain barrier is a serious challenge to the use of magnesium in the treatment of neurologic disorders. But, recently, applying magnesium oxide nanoparticles that is capable of crossing biological barriers has created new hopes. According to the reinforcing effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on memory and ambiguity in the best time of application and duration of its effects, the aim of the present study was to compare effects of pre-and post-training administration of different doses of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on long-term memory. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, fifty- six adult male NMRI mice in the control group and receiving magnesium oxide nanoparticles group at doses of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg (I.P) before and after training were used. Long-term memory of mice in a week on days 1,3and7 days after training (shock) by using step-down device and passive avoidance learning method was assessed. Time latency in coming down the secure platform was considered as the memory assessment scale. Results: The results showed that injection of nano-magnesium oxide in both the 2.5 and 5 mg/kg improved memory through increasing the latency in coming down the secure platform during a week (p

Objective(s): In recent years, nanotechnology has produced new forms of materials that are more effective than their predecessors. Magnesium is an essential element in the human body and certain studies have proved that its deficiency can induce anxiety in animals. In this study, the effect of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) on anxiety, related behaviors, and interaction between their effects and anxiolytic effect of the exercises were examined in comparison to the conventional MgO (cMgO). Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats weighing 190±20 gr were divided into control groups (receiving saline, without physical activity), and exercise groups (receiving cMgO and/or MgO NPs (1 mg/kg i.p.) daily for 6 weeks with or/and without exercise). Exercise groups were performing their daily physical activity protocol 30 minutes after injection. At the end of period, an elevated plus maze apparatus was used to evaluate the anxiety (%pen arm time (%OAT) and %open arm entries (%OAE) and locomotor activity. Results: Exercise significantly increased %OAT and %OAE (P

Objective: Nano components are today’s new wonder material. However, the safety or toxicity of these components in humans is not yet clear. In a previous study we indicated that nano ZnO (nZnO) has a stronger anxiolytic effect compared to the conventional ZnO (cZnO). The present study was designed to evaluate the intraperitoneal administration of an opioidergic receptor agonist and antagonist of as well as the intra CA1 administration of an opioidergic receptor antagonist on the anxiolytic properties of nano and conventional ZnO in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, rats received drugs via two modes of injection; intraperitoneal (IP.) and intra CA1 (intra hippocampus, CA1 area). Firstly, nZnO (5, 10, 20 mg/kg), cZnO (5, 10, 20 mg/kg), morphine 6 mg/kg, and naloxone 1 mg/kg were injected IP and naloxone 1μg/rat was injected intra CA1. Subsequently, morphine and naloxone (IP and intra CA1) were co-injected with the effective dose of nZnO and cZnO. An elevated plus maze was used to evaluate anxiety related behavior and anxiety parameters 30 minutes after the second injection. Results: The results indicated that the anxiolytic effects of nZnO 5 mg/kg and cZnO 10 mg/kg were equal. When injected intraperitoneally, naloxone increased anxiety but did not inhibit the anxiolytic effect of nZnO and cZnO. The anxiolytic effects of morphine potentiated the anxiolytic effects of ZnO, particularly nZno. When introduced via intra CA1 injection naloxone alone had no effect on anxiety behaviors and did not inhibit the anxiolytic effect of nZnO. Conclusion: It seems that the opioidergic system activity involved in the anxiolytic effect of nano and conventional ZnO may operate through shared and unshared pathways.

Background: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are mainly abused by athletes for improvement of muscle performance. Data suggest that the effect of AAS on neurobiochemicals related to behavioral response, may be underlies psychological adverse effects. Physical activity has beneficial psychophysiological effects, which may be related to increased serum levels of endogenous opioid peptides during exercise. In the present study we aimed to study the effect of chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate on beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin level in exercising rats. Methods: In this experimental study, forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned in two main groups of sedentary and trained (2 weeks swimming exercise). Animals in each group were divided in two subgroups of control (received nandrolone solvent) and drug treatment (received nandrolone 15 mg/kg, 5 times/week). After two weeks of swimming exercise and drug treatment, serum levels of beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin were measured using ELIZA. Results: Our data showed that two weeks of swimming exercise training significantly increased serum beta-endorphin (114±5 vs. 98±5 ng/l in control group, P= 0.038) and met-enkephalin levels (1556±42 vs. 1475±27 ng/l in control group, P= 0.25). However, chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate in trained group considerably de-creased beta-endorphin (84±4 vs. 114±5 ng/l in control group, P= 0.002) and met-enkephalin levels (1378±36 vs. 1556±42 ng/l in control group, P= 0.011). The effect of supraphysiologic doses of nandrolone decanoate in control sedentary group was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In the present study we show that chronic nandrolone decanoate admin-istration attenuates effects of two weeks swimming exercise on serum opioid peptide and reduces the level of beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin. Keeping in mind that opi-oidergic system play an important role in behavior, athletes abusing anabolic steroid drugs may potentially experience changes in mood and behavior.

Introduction: Some studies show magnesium has anticonvulsive effect in some animal models. Despite of the availability of well-studied anticonvulsant drugs, this evaluation was not carried on new kind of magnesium supplement, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (nMgO). According to the interaction between magnesium and convulsion, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of nMgO on strychnine-induced convulsive model in compared to its conventional in diabetic and normal mice. Methods: Healthy male albino mice were divided to 10 groups. Diabete mellitus was induced by streptozocin in 5 groups. Conventional and nanoparticle MgO (5&10mg/kg) in presence and absence diabetes injected to mice, then strychnine injected and onset of convulsions and time of death were measured after strychnine administration. Results: Convulsive parameters did not change in normal and diabetic mice. cMgO pretreatment did not have anticonvulsant effect in strychnine-induced convulsion in normal and diabetic mice. But nMgO significantly changed convulsion onset and death time after strychnine administration in normal and diabetic status. Discussion: According to our results It seems that nMgO may be important in prevention or treatment of epilepsy and has more efficacy than its conventional form to showing anticonvulsive effect that probably is related to the physicochemical properties of nMgO, specially in diabetic subjects, a point that need to further investigation.

Purpose: A few studies have indicates that the sesame oil influences anxiety, but many reports show that β-1 adrenoceptors (ARs) of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays a pivotal role in this regard. Therefore, in this study the effect of acute injection of sesame oil on anxiety-like behavior in the presence and absence of the BLA β-1 ARs in the male Wistar rats were investigated. Methods: Guide cannulas, for seven groups of rats, were implanted bilaterally into the BLA. Two weeks after the stereotaxic surgery, anxiety-like behaviors (the OAT%, OAE % and locomotor activity) were evaluated by Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM) for all groups. 3 groups received different volumes of sesame oil (i.p.) and they were compared with control group (received saline via i.p.), and the anxiogenic volume of sesame oil (1.5ml/kg) was determined. Then, 3 other groups received constant effective volume of sesame oil (1.5ml/kg) along with 3 different doses of betaxolol, selective β-1 ARs antagonist, intra BLA microinjection in order to be compared with sesame oil group (1.5 ml/kg). Results: The acute injection of sesame oil with the volume dependent manner showed an anxiogenic effect with reduction of the OAT% and OAE% which the maximum effect of sesame oil was observed in the dose of 1.5mg/kg. Also, betaxolol with dose dependent manner attenuated the anxiogenic effects of sesame oil (1.5mg/kg), but this reduction could not remove the anxiety effects completely. Conclusion: It seems that the sesame oil acute (i.p.) injection induces anxiety, and this effect is attenuated by inhibition of β-1ARs in the BLA.

Introduction: Today Nano-medicine tries to produce new drugs to reduce the dosage and side effects of their conventional forms. According to the interaction between zinc and opioidergic system activity, this study has investigated the effect of new kind of zinc supplement, nano zinc oxide (nZnO), in compared to its conventional form (cZnO), in presence and absence of opioidergic system activity on acute pain. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (weighting 200±20gr) divided into groups: control (receiving saline %0.9), nZnO (1, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg), cZnO (1, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg), naloxone 1mg/kg, morphine 6 mg/kg, and co- injected groups of morphine and/or naloxone with nZnO (5mg/kg) and/or cZnO 10 mg/kg. Hot plate assay was used to evaluation of nociception and post injected latencies were recorded every 30 min for 90 min after I.P. injections of drugs. In co-injected groups latency time recorded after 60 minutes. Results: Data indicated that both of ZnO supplements reduced latency time in dose and time dependent on the effect of nZnO was higher than cZnO. Also these components could improve anti-nociception effect of morphine and naloxone could not change the effect of these supplements. Discussion: It seems that nZnO has more efficacy than its conventional form to showing analgesic effect that probably is related to the physicochemical properties of nZnO. Also may be these supplements have interaction with opioideric system in body.

Background & Objectives: Several studies have shown that Glucocorticoids affect learning and memory processes by influences on limbic structures such as amygdala. The amygdala is an important region for memory formation. Considering the existence of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of intra-BLA microinjection of pilocarpine on the effect of dexamethasone on memory retrieval . Methods: As a model of learning, using a step-through apparatus , inhibitory avoidance was used for assessment of long-term memory in 80 adult male Wistar rats . All animals were bilaterally implanted with cannulas into the BLA and were trained and tested (with 24 h interval) 7 days after surgery. Memory retrieval was evaluated by recording of the step-through latencies and the time spent in dark chamber of apparatus in the testing day. Results: Pre-test subcutaneous (s.c) administration of dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) impaired memory retrieval in animals when trained 24 h in advance. Co-pretest microinjection of different doses of pilocarpine (1 , 2 μg/rat, intra-BLA ), a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, with the dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, s.c) caused enhancement of memory retrieval. Conclusion: Results of this research indicate that impairment effect of dexamethasone on memory processes may be mediates by decrease of mechanisms of BLA muscarinic cholinergic.

BACKGROUND: Chamomile is a beneficial herbal drug that is used as an anti-inflammatory, sedative and anti-allergic agent. The mechanism of action of matricaria recutita (MR), a specious of chamomile, in nociception in male and female animals is not fully understood. In this study, the sedative effect of a species of chamomile, MR, on acute pain was investigated in both male and female adult mice in the presence and absence of sex hormones.METHODS: Male and female NMRI mice weighing 28 ± 3 grams were used. Animals of each sex were divided into intact and gonadectomized groups. Intact group received saline or MR extract (10, 30, 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Gonadectomized group contained two subgroups: a) group that received saline or MR hydro alcoholic extract (50 mg/kg, I.P.), and b) group that received sex hormones (testosterone in male mice and estradiol benzoate and progesterone in female mice), both with and without MR extract (50mg/kg, IP). The analgesia times in all groups were evaluated by hot plate test.RESULTS: MR increased analgesia time both in intact and gonadectomized male and female mice, but had no effect in the presence of pharmacological doses of testosterone (2 mg/kg, subcutaneous) in male mice, and estradiol benzoate (0.1 mg/kg, SC) and progesterone (0.5 mg/kg, SC) in female mice.CONCLUSIONS: It seems that MR can induce a pain-relieving effect with and without physiological doses of sex hormones in male and female mice, but sex hormones probably interact with its analgesic effect in their pharmacological doses.KEY WORDS: Matricaria recutita, pain, testosterone, estradiol benzoate, progesterone, hot plate.

Introduction & Objective: Locomotor activity is an important physiologic phenomenon that is influenced by several factors. In previous study we showed that the matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) hydroalcholic extract acts differently in male and female mice. Therefore in this study, the role of sex hormones and chamomile hydroalcholic extract were investigated on motor activity behavior in absence of sex glands in adult male and female NMRI mice. Materials and Methods: Gonadectomized male and female mice were divided into groups (seven mice in each group) including: receiving testosterone (2 mg/kg S.C.), estradiol benzoate (0.1 mg/kg S.C.), and progesterone (0.5 mg/kg S.C.) with and without hydroalcholic extract of chamomile (50 mg/kg i.p). Motor activity monitor system was used to evaluate locomotor activity parameters (fast and slow activity, fast and slow stereotype activity, fast and slow rearing) in all groups. Results: 1) Testosterone had no any effect on motor activity parameters, but extract of chamomile with and without testosterone decreased motor activity parameters in male mice. 2) Estradiol benzoate and chamomile hydroalcholic extract in presence and absence of each other increased locomotor activity parameters in female mice. 3) Progesterone also did not change motor activity parameters in presence and absence of chamomile hydroalcholic extract in female mice. 4) Administration of Estradiol benzoate with progestrone in presence and absence of chamomile hydroalcholic extract did not alter motor activity parameters in female mice. Conclusion: It seems both of the chamomile hydroalcholic extract and estradiol enhance motor activity and probably act through same system and potentiate the effect of each other. Also it seems there are interaction between estradiol and progesterone and also between chamomile extract and progesterone. Testosterone probably did not have any interaction with chamomile extract in locomotor activity.

Background: Among the most important factors in wound healing pathways are transforming growth factor beta1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Fibroblasts are the main cell in all phases wound closure. In this study, the extracts of plant materials such as Adiantum capillus-veneris, Commiphora molmol, Aloe vera, and henna and one mixture of them were used to treatment of normal mouse skin fibroblasts. Methods: Cytotoxic effects of each extract and their mixture were assessed on mouse skin fibroblasts cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. We performed migration assays to assess migration properties of mouse skin fibroblasts cells in response to the extracts. Changes in the gene expression of the Tgf β 1and Vegf-A genes were monitored by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: A. capillus-veneris, C. molmol and henna extract improved the expression of Tgf β 1 gene. All used extracts upregulated the expression of Vegf-A gene and promoted the migration of mouse fibroblast cells in vitro. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the mentioned herbal extracts might be effective in wound healing, through the improvement in the migration of fibroblast cells and regulating the gene expression of Tgf β 1 and Vegf-A genes in fibroblast cells treated with extracts.

Objective: LC/NA system is activator of hypothalamic–pituitar–adrenal (HPA) axis and cold stress triggers an equally robust increase in plasma NA. Increased LHRH content probably due to absence or decrease of NE release from the LC and positive feedback action of E2 on LH secretion show that in late proestrous phase NA, LH and E2 have a strong link. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of central sympathetic nervous system (by LC lesion and acute cold stress induction) and peripheral sympathetic nervous system (with propranolol administration) on late proestrous phase in rat. Material and Method: One hundred eight rats were divided into control and study groups. Study group was divided into three main sub groups: LC lesion (electrolytic lesion), acute cold stress (4°C for 20 minutes) and propranolol (antagonist of sympathetic nervous system). Vaginal smears were taken for all groups and late proestrous was selective phase for this study. Statistical differences were determined by one–way ANOVA followed by the Tukey post hoc test. SPSS 11 was used for data analysis. P value ≤ 0.05 was defined as significant level. Results: LC lesion decreased only estradiol level (P≤0.001) but could increase serum level of LH like propranolol administration (7mg/kg ip) (P≤0.01). No significant changes were noted in the levels of LH and estradiol in cold stress group like the synergistic effect of LC lesion and Cold stress also synergism of LC lesion, Cold stress and propranolol. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that late proestrous phase has a critical role in LH surge and sympathetic nervous system (NA) and E2 are important and basic factors in this process.