Role of 5-HT1 receptors of accumbens shell arena upon ACPA-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors in rat

     Cannabinoids induce diverse responses on anxiolytic–like behaviors. Moreover some studies postulated that there is a close relationship between this system and serotonergic system upon cognitive process formation. Thus the aim of present study is investigation the possible role of 5-HT1 receptor on anxiolytic–like behaviors induced by ACPA in the elevated plus maze task (EPM). In the present study rats weighting 250–300g upon surgery bilateral guide cannulae were implanted to allow microinjection of ACPA (agonist CB1 receptor), CP94253 Hcl(agonist 5-HT1 receptor) alone and them interaction in the AcbSh.The data showed pretest AcbSh infusion of ACPA at doses of0.0002, 0.002, 0.02 and 0.2 μg/rat increased and decreased the percentage of open-arms time (%OAT) and percentage of Enclosed-arms time (%CAT), respectively as compared to control groups. Pretest AcbSh infusion ofCP94253 Hcl at doses of 5, 0.5 and 0.05 ng/rat, did not alter anxiety-like behaviors. In addition intra-AcbSh microinjection of subthreshold dose of CP94253 Hcl did not alter ACPA-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors. Our data suggest that activation of AcbSh 5-HT1 receptor did not involve in ACPA-induced behaviors in the EPM task.

Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Protein Levels in Sperm of Obese Men with and without Diabetes; Cellular Approach in Male Infertility

Objective: Although the role of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) in male infertility is well established, little informationabout the underlying cellular mechanisms in infertility is available. In this sense, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) hasbeen recognized as an important regulator in obesity and DM; However, its function in the pathogenesis of maleinfertility has never been studied in obese or men who suffer from diabetes. Therefore, the main goal of current researchis assessing NF-kB existence and activity in ejaculated human spermatozoa considering the obesity and diabeticscondition of males. Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, the ELISA technique was applied to analyze NF-kB levels in spermof four experimental groups: non-obese none-diabetic men (body mass index (BMI) 30 kg/m2; OB group; n=30), non-obese diabetic men (BMI 30 kg/m2; OB-DM group; n=30) who were presented to Royan Institute Infertility Center.In addition, protein localization was shown by Immunocytofluorescent assay. Sperm features were also evaluated usingCASA. Results: The diabetic men were older than non-diabetic men regardless of obesity status (P=0.0002). Sperm progressivemotility was affected by obesity (P=0.035) and type A sperm progressive motility was affected by DM (P=0.034). Theconcentration of sperm (P=0.013), motility (P=0.025) and morphology (P<0.0001) were altered by obesity × diabetesinteraction effects. The NF-kB activity was negatively influenced by the main impact of diabetics (P=0.019). Obesitydid not affect (P=0.248) NF-kB activity. Uniquely, NF-kB localized to the midpiece of sperm and post-acrosomal areas. Conclusion: The current study indicated a lower concentration of NF-kB in diabetic men, no effect of obesity on NF-kBwas observed yet. Additionally, we revealed the main obesity and diabetes effects, and their interaction effect adverselyinfluenced sperm characteristics

The Role of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway in Rat Primordial Germ Cells Reprogramming and Induction into Pluripotent State

 Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) are unipotent precursors of the gametes. PGCs can give rise to a type of pluripotent stem cells in vitro that are called embryonic germ (EG) cells. PGCs can also acquire such pluripotency in vivo and generate teratomas. Under specific culture conditions, PGCs can be reprogrammed to embryonic germ cells which are capable of expression of key pluripotency markers, such as Pou5f1(Oct4), Sox2 and Nanog. One approach to derive EG cells is manipulation of intracellular signaling pathways that play an important role in the pluripotency induction. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays major roles in various cell processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, survival, apoptosis and pluripotency. For the induction of pluripotency and reprogramming of PGCs into EG cells, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway should be activated and using small molecules is one of the methods for reaching this objective. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), is one of the important molecules of canonical pathway of Wnt/β-catenin which signaling and inhibition of GSK3 by CHIR99021 small molecule, causes the activation of this pathway but it is not sufficient for reprogramming the PGCs into EG cells. In order to efficiently derive EG cells, MAPK signaling pathway should be inhibited simultaneously with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, using small molecule PD0325901. Thus, the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the simultaneous inhibition of the MAPK pathway, can induce pluripotency in the rat PGCs and their reprogramming into EG cells. 

Involvement of GABAergic System in Increased Pentylenetetra-zole-Induced Seizure Threshold in Cholestatic Mice: GABAergic system and PTZ-induced STin cholestasis

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important inhibitory transmitter incentral nervous system and is involved in pathophysiology of epilepsy. Pentylenete-trazole (PTZ), a convulsant agent, partly acts via anion channel of GABAAreceptor.Ivermectin, an antiparasitic agent and a GABAAagonist, has anticonvulsant effectin animal seizure models. Cholestasis increases the threshold of PTZ-inducedclonic seizure in mice. The object of this study was to clarify the involvement ofGABAergic pathways in increasing PTZ-induced seizure threshold (ST) in cholestaticmice. The result of this study showed that cholestasis increases clonic STthree daysafter surgery while sham-operated control (SOC) and unoperated control (UOC)groups did not show any alteration in clonic ST. Bicuculline, a GABAAantagonist,reversed but ivermectin increased the clonic STin UOC, SOC and bile duct-ligatedmice, respectively. In conclusion, our results showed that: (1) acute cholestasis isassociated with an increase in PTZ-induced clonic STin mice and this phenomenonmay be the result of reinforcement of GABAergic system, and (2) GABAplays aphysiological role in regulation of ST

The role of CA1 CB1 receptors on lithium-induced spatial memory impairment in rats

Lithium, a glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitor, prevents cannabinoid withdrawal syndrome, but there is limited data exploring the interaction between lithium and cannabinoid system on memory processes. The present study aimed to test the interaction between dorsal hippocampal (CA1 region) cannabinoid system and lithium on spatial memory in rats. Spatial memory was assessed in Morris Water Maze (MWM) apparatus by a single training session of eight trials. The results showed that pre-training intra-CA1 microinjection of ACPA, the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1r) agonist, at doses of 0.001, 0.01 or 1 μg/rat, or AM251, the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1r) antagonist, at doses of 1, 10 or 100 ng/rat, increased escape latency and traveled distance to the platform, suggesting a spatial learning impairment, whereas intraperitoneal administration of lithium (0.5, 1 or 5 mg/kg) had no effect on spatial learning. Also, rats that received lithium plus a lower dose of ACPA (0.001 μg/rat) or AM251 (1 ng/rat) had successful performance in the MWM. In the probe test, the results showed that pretraining administration of lithium (5 mg/kg) and ACPA (0.01 or 1 μg/rat) but not AM251 (at all doses used) impaired spatial memory retrieval. Also, lower dose of ACPA (0.001 μg/rat) or AM251 (1 ng/rat) potentiated the effect of ineffective doses of lithium (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) on spatial memory retrieval, while restored the effect of effective dose of lithium (5 mg/kg). In conclusion, cannabinoids may have a dual effect on lithium-induced spatial memory impairment in rats

Prediction of Somatization on the Basis of Self-steem, Insomnia and Paranoid Thoughts in University Students

Background and Objectives: Somatization is a somatoform disorder, which medical examinations are not able to explain its reason. In the present research, the role of self-esteem, insomnia, and paranoid thoughts was investigated in somatization disorder. Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted on all students studying at University of Tabriz in the academic year 2014-2015. A total of 270 subjects were selected using stratified random sampling method. In this research, Eysenck Self-Esteem Inventory, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Somatization Questionnaire (PHQ-15), and Green et al. Paranoid Thought Scales (GPTS) were used. Data were analyzed using Pearson&rsquo;s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis tests. Results: Correlation results indicated that somatization disorder has a significant positive relationship with paranoid thoughts and insomnia and a significant negative relationship with self-esteem. Also, based on the results of multiple regression analysis, Insomnia Index had the greatest ability to predict somatization disorder. Conclusion: The findings of this research revealed that factors, such as insomnia, paranoid thoughts, and low self-esteem should be considered in the treatment of somatization disorder

Role of 5-Hydroxytryptamine 1A Receptors in 6-Hydroxydopmaine- induced Catalepsy-like Immobilization in Rats: a Therapeutic Approach for Treating Catalepsy of Parkinson&apos;s Disease

Abstract We have shown that buspirone, a partial agonist of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT 1A ) receptors, improves motor dysfunctions induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and haloperidol in rats. The present work extends these findings by investigating the role of 5-HT 1A receptors on catalepsy-like immobilization in rats, a model of Parkinson&apos;s disease. Catalepsy was induced by unilateral infusion of 6-OH-dopamine (8 µg/2µL/rat) into the central region of the substantia nigra, compact part (SNc) and assayed by bar-test method 5, 60, 120 and 180 min after the drugs administration. The involvement of 5-HT 1A receptors in 6-OHDA-induced catalepsy was studied through intraperitoneal (0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/Kg IP) and intrasubstantia nigra, compact part (10 µg/rat, intra-SNc) injection of 8-hydroxy-2-[di-n-propylamino] tetralin (8-OHDPAT) as well as administration of 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-pthalimmido) butyl] piperazine hydrobromide (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/Kg, IP). (1 mg/Kg, IP) and 8-OHDPAT (1 mg/Kg, IP and 10 µg/rat, intra-SNc) increased and decreased 6-OHDA-induced catalepsy respectively. In normal (non 6-OHDA-lesioned) rats, (1 mg/Kg, IP) increased the elapsed time in bar-test while 8-OHDPAT did not produce any significant effect. The anticataleptic effect of 8-OHDPAT (1 mg/Kg, IP) was reversed markedly by co-injection with (1 mg/Kg, IP). These findings suggest that 5-HT 1A receptors are involved in 6-OHDA-induced catalepsy-like immobilization

The effect of curcumin on embryonic in vitro development in experimental polycystic ovary syndrome: An experimental study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease in women. Some plant compounds which have antioxidant properties, such as curcumin, may be useful for these patients when delivered orally or in vitro. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PCOS on oocyte quality and the effect of curcumin on in vitro fertilization of oocytes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Naval Medical Research Institute mice aged six to eight wk were used. Mice were divided into five experimental groups (control, experimental PCOS, curcumin 6, 12 and 24 μM). To induce experimental PCOS, estradiol valerate (100 mg/kg, IP) was injected. The total antioxidant capacity and production of malondialdehyde in ovarian tissue and blood serum were evaluated in all groups. Finally, 6, 12 and 24 μM of curcumin were added to the culture medium of the PCOS group oocytes and development in the different groups was evaluated. Results: A high percentage of oocytes for fertilization were not in good condition in terms of number and quality in the group of PCOS. The addition of curcumin to the embryo culture medium was associated with a higher percentage of fertilized oocytes, two-cells and blastocysts. This increase was significant at a concentration of 24 μM (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Given that adding curcumin seemed to improve fetal growth and prevent the harmful effects of oxygen free radicals on the culture medium, it is recommended to add a certain concentration of curcumin under normal conditions without oxidative stress. Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, In vitro fertilization, Curcumin, Mic