Search results for "Rats"
showing 10 items of 3537 documents
Acute and chronic nicotine exposures differentially affect central serotonin 2A receptor function : focus on the lateral habenula
2020
Nicotine addiction is a serious public health problem causing millions of deaths worldwide. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine
Bi-layered polyurethane – Extracellular matrix cardiac patch improves ischemic ventricular wall remodeling in a rat model
2016
As an intervention to abrogate ischemic cardiomyopathy, the concept of applying a temporary, local patch to the surface of the recently infarcted ventricle has been explored from a number of design perspectives. Two important features considered for such a cardiac patch include the provision of appropriate mechanical support and the capacity to influence the remodeling pathway by providing cellular or biomolecule delivery. The objective of this report was to focus on these two features by first evaluating the incorporation of a cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) component, and second by evaluating the impact of patch anisotropy on the pathological remodeling process initiated by myocardial …
Fabrication of amorphous strontium polyphosphate microparticles that induce mineralization of bone cells in vitro and in vivo.
2017
Abstract Here we describe the fabrication process of amorphous strontium-polyphosphate microparticles (“Sr-a-polyP-MP”). The effects of these particles on growth and gene expression were investigated with SaOS-2 cells as well as with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and compared with those particles prepared of amorphous calcium-polyphosphate (“Ca-a-polyP-MP”) and of strontium salt. The results revealed a markedly higher stimulation of growth of MSC by “Sr-a-polyP-MP” compared to “Ca-a-polyP-MP” and a significant increase in mineralization of SaOS-2 cells, as well as an enhanced upregulation of the expression of the genes encoding for alkaline phosphatase and the bone morphogenetic protei…
Sex-dependent metabolism of nevirapine in rats: impact on plasma levels, pharmacokinetics and interaction with nortriptyline.
2017
Abstract Nevirapine (NVP) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) widely used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and is the first-choice NNRTI during pregnancy. NVP shows a sex dimorphic profile in humans with sex differences in bioavailability, biotransformation and toxicity. In this study, sex differences in NVP metabolism and inhibition of NVP metabolism by the antidepressant nortriptyline (NT) were evaluated using rats as experimental animals. NVP was administered orally to male and female rats and sex differences in plasma levels and pharmacokinetic parameters were analysed. NVP plasma levels were higher in female compared with male rats…
Discovering hidden temporal patterns in behavior and interaction : t-pattern detection and analysis with THEME
2016
In our laboratories we use T-pattern analysis to study rat behavior in different and well-known experimental assays widely employed as rodent models of anxiety: the open field, the hole board and the elevated plus maze. By using Theme software and T-pattern analysis, we have observed that numerous events, characterizing rodent behavior in each experimental model, occurred sequentially and with significant constraints on the interval lengths separating them. In this chapter, for each test, we highlight some key aspects of our behavioral analyses, with a twofold attempt: first to provide the researcher with useful information concerning the application of T-pattern analysis in the study of ro…
Auxiliary α2δ1 and α2δ3 Subunits of Calcium Channels Drive Excitatory and Inhibitory Neuronal Network Development
2020
VGCCs are multisubunit complexes that play a crucial role in neuronal signaling. Auxiliary α2δ subunits of VGCCs modulate trafficking and biophysical properties of the pore-forming α1 subunit and trigger excitatory synaptogenesis. Alterations in the expression level of α2δ subunits were implicated in several syndromes and diseases, including chronic neuropathic pain, autism, and epilepsy. However, the contribution of distinct α2δ subunits to excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and aberrant network connectivity characteristic for these pathologic conditions remains unclear. Here, we show that α2δ1 overexpression enhances spontaneous neuronal network activity in developing and mature cultures of …
Chronic hyperammonemia alters extracellular glutamate, glutamine and GABA and membrane expression of their transporters in rat cerebellum. Modulation…
2018
Trafficking of glutamate, glutamine and GABA between astrocytes and neurons is essential to maintain proper neurotransmission. Chronic hyperammonemia alters neurotransmission and cognitive function. The aims of this work were to analyze in cerebellum of rats the effects of chronic hyperammonemia on: a) extracellular glutamate, glutamine and GABA concentrations; b) membrane expression of glutamate, glutamine and GABA transporters; c) how they are modulated by extracellular cGMP. Hyperammonemic rats show increased levels of extracellular glutamate, glutamine, GABA and citrulline in cerebellum in vivo. Hyperammonemic rats show: a) increased membrane expression of the astrocytic glutamine trans…
Carnosine protects pancreatic beta cells and islets against oxidative stress damage
2018
Abstract Islet transplantation is a valid therapeutic option for type 1 diabetes treatment. However, in this procedure one of the major problems is the oxidative stress produced during pancreatic islet isolation. The aim of our study was to evaluate potential protective effects of L-carnosine and its isomer D-carnosine against oxidative stress. We evaluated the carnosine effect on cell growth, cell death, insulin production, and the main markers of oxidative stress in rat and murine stressed beta cell lines as well as in human pancreatic islets. Both isomers clearly inhibited hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxicity, with a decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, preve…
Imaging biomarkers of behavioral impairments: A pilot micro-positron emission tomographic study in a rat electrical post-status epilepticus model.
2018
Objective In patients with epilepsy, psychiatric comorbidities can significantly affect the disease course and quality of life. Detecting and recognizing these comorbidities is central in determining an optimal treatment plan. One promising tool in detecting biomarkers for psychiatric comorbidities in epilepsy is positron emission tomography (PET). Methods Results Behavioral and biochemical variables were cross-correlated with the results from two mu PET scans using the tracers [F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([F-18]FDG) and 2 '-methoxyphenyl-(N-2 '-pyridinyl)-p-F-18-fluoro-benzamidoethylpiperazine ([F-18]MPPF) to explore potential biomarkers for neurobehavioral comorbidities in an electrica…
Imaging correlates of behavioral impairments: An experimental PET study in the rat pilocarpine epilepsy model
2018
Abstract Psychiatric comorbidities are prevalent in patients with epilepsy and greatly contribute to the overall burden of disease. The availability of reliable biomarkers to diagnose epilepsy-associated comorbidities would allow for effective treatment and improved disease management. Due to their non-invasive nature, molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) are ideal tools to measure pathologic changes. In the current study we investigated the potential of [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose ([18F]FDG) and 2′-methoxyphenyl-(N-2′-pyridinyl)-p-18F-fluoro-benzamidoethylpiperazine ([18F]MPPF) as imaging correlates of neurobehavioral comorbidities in the pilocarpine …