Foragers use several senses to locate food,and many animals rely on vision and smell.It is beneficial not to rely on a single sense,which might fail under certain conditions.We examined the contribution of vision and ...Foragers use several senses to locate food,and many animals rely on vision and smell.It is beneficial not to rely on a single sense,which might fail under certain conditions.We examined the contribution of vision and smell to foraging and maze exploration under laboratory conditions using Cataglyphis desert ants as a model.Foraging intensity,measured as the number of workers entering the maze and arriving at the target as well as target arrival time,were greater when food,blue light,or both were offered or presented in contrast to a control.Workers trained to forage for a combined food and light cue elevated their foraging intensity with experience.However,foraging intensity was not higher when using both cues simultaneously than in either one of the two alone.Following training,we split between the two cues and moved either the food or the blue light to the opposite maze corner.This manipulation impaired foraging success by either leading to fewer workers arriving at the target cell(when the light stayed and the food was moved)or to more workers arriving at the opposite target cell,empty of food(when the food stayed and the light was moved).This result indicates that ant workers use both senses when foraging for food and readily associate light with food.展开更多
Nematodes are microscopic, soil-dwelling worms that navigate through soil particles in search of food or a suitable host. Most nematode species employ a myriad of physical and chemical cues that define their navigatio...Nematodes are microscopic, soil-dwelling worms that navigate through soil particles in search of food or a suitable host. Most nematode species employ a myriad of physical and chemical cues that define their navigation strategies. Here, we demonstrate a microfluidic method to observe and characterize the physical aspects of nematode navigation at real-time. The microfluidic devices comprise a series of interconnected T-maze or cylindrical structures of varying geometry. At each physical intersection, nematodes are given the choice to migrate left or right. We found that this decision-making of nematodes is influenced by the angle of intersection of T-maze structures. We further showed that nematodes can be passively directed to move in a linear direction by carefully adjusting the position and spacing of cylindrical obstacles in its path. The experiments were conducted on two nematodes (non-parasitic C. elegans and pigparasitic Oesophagostomum dentatum) and in the absence of any chemical or electrical stimulants.展开更多
Psychoneuroimmunology is a scientific discipline exploring the interconnectedness of the nervous system,emotion state,and immune system.The current review examines the distinct mechanisms through which the mind and bo...Psychoneuroimmunology is a scientific discipline exploring the interconnectedness of the nervous system,emotion state,and immune system.The current review examines the distinct mechanisms through which the mind and body interact when subjected to stress.Manifestations of psychoneuroimmunological stress encompass symptoms such as depression,aggression,fear,and social withdrawal,which can exert a profound impact on physiological well-being.Some observations suggest that humans and nonhuman animals exhibit similar stress-related symptoms,aiding in the identification of pharmacological pathways and potential clinical implications of therapeutic interventions.Animal stress models are predicated on varying approaches aimed at eliciting a motivational state to navigate and confront aversive circumstances.The current review describes the diverse stress induction models that have been investigated internationally,incorporating an ethological perspective that involves evaluating innate and unpunished behaviors through methodologies like the elevated plus maze,elevated zero maze,light-dark box,and open field test.Additionally,conditioned operant conflict tests,such as the Vogel conflict test,fall under the purview of learning and punishment models.This category encompasses classic conditioning models like fear conditioning,psychosocial models such as social defeat,and physical and chronic unpredictable stress paradigms.In this review,we critically evaluate existing cognitive and behavioral frameworks underpinning the development and perpetuation of stress-related disorders,while also elucidating the impact of immune system responses on the mental and physical health of animals.The primary objective of this review is to elucidate the array of animal models employed in previous research and the testing protocols used to assess animal performance in stress induction scenarios,with the ultimate aim of reducing mortality rates among research animals.展开更多
BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction(DCD)is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,but its mechanism is currently unknown.Studies have shown that mitochondrial fission mediated by calcium overload is an imp...BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction(DCD)is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,but its mechanism is currently unknown.Studies have shown that mitochondrial fission mediated by calcium overload is an important mechanism of DCD.Blocking calcium overload and restoring calcium homeostasis are key steps in treatment.Transient receptor potential melastatin 7(TRPM7)is a novel player in causing calcium overload.Our previous studies have shown that genetic silencing of TRPM7 in type 1 diabetic rats leads to significant improvements in cognitive function,but the specific mechanism remains unclear.Troxerutin,extracted from the flowers of Sophora japonica,is one of the derivatives of rutin and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.However,its association with TRPM7 remains unclear.AIM To use animal and cellular models,we investigated whether TRPM7 mediated mitochondrial fission by upregulation of calcineurin(CaN)/dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)ser637 in DCD,and whether Troxerutin improved DCD by inhibiting TRPM7-mediated mitochondrial division.METHODS In this study,we used db/db mice and hippocampal neuronal cell lines(HT22)treated with high-concentration glucose as our study subjects.We evaluated cognitive function using Morris water maze,novel object recognition tasks,and Nesting tests.We observed mitochondrial morphology using transmission electron microscopy and measured mitochondrial energy metabolism indicators using a spectrophotometer.We also detected mRNA and protein expression of TRPM7,CaN,p-Drp1^(ser637),caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein,and B-cell lymphoma 2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and immunofluorescence.RESULTS In the db/db diabetic mice with cognitive dysfunction,as well as in hippocampal neurons exposed to high-concentration glucose,TRPM7 and CaN expression were upregulated,phosphorylated Drp1^(ser637)expression was downregulated,and mitochondrial fission was increased.By modulating(inhibiting or overexpressing)TRPM7,it was further validated that TRPM7 activates the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway,resulting in an increase in mitochondrial fission and neuronal cell apoptosis.Troxerutin downregulated TRPM7/CaN/Drp1^(ser637),reduced mitochondrial fission,and improved DCD.CONCLUSION TRPM7 promotes mitochondrial fission via the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway.Troxerutin improves mitochondrial function and reduces neuronal damage by inhibiting this pathway,suggesting TRPM7 as a potential therapeutic target for DCD.展开更多
Based on a ripped-up and rerouted methodology,a multilayer area detailed router is presented by using simulated evolution technique.A modified maze algorithm is also performed for the single net.
Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on learning and memory abilities and expression of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor subunit （NR2B） in prefrontal cortex in morphine-withdrawal rats and to in...Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on learning and memory abilities and expression of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor subunit （NR2B） in prefrontal cortex in morphine-withdrawal rats and to investigate the molecular biological mechanisms. Methods Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely control group （group A）, model group （group B）, model with acupuncture group （group C） and model with electroacupunture group （group D）, with 9 in each group. All rats except those in group A were subcutaneously injected with morphine hydrochloride injectio on the back with daily dosage increased day by day. Naloxone was given 3 h after the last injection to establish the models of morphinewithdrawal rats. After the models were established, the rats were treated with acupuncture and electroacupuncture respectively at bilateral ＂Shenshu＂ （肾俞 BL 23） and ＂Zusanli＂ （足三里 ST 36） for 15 min per time, once daily for 6 days. Space learning and memory abilities of the rats were measured by Morris water maze, and protein and gene expression levels of NR2B in prefrontal cortex were measured by Western Blot and RT-PCR. Results In place navigation test, the escape latency in group B, group C and group D was significantly prolonged compared with that of group A （P〈0.01）, the escape latency in group C and group D was significantly shortened compared with that of group B （P〈0.01） and the escape latency in group D was significantly shortened compared with that of group C （P〈0.05）; during spatial probe test, the number of times crossing the platform of group B, group C and group D decreased compared with that of group A （P〈0.01）, and compared with group B, the number of times crossing the platform of group C increased and the number of group D significantly increased （P〈0.01）. Decreased protein expression level of NR2B was found in group B when compared with that of group A （P〈0.01）, increased protein expression levels of NR2B were found in group C and group D when compared with that of group B （P〈0.01）, however, the expression level in group D was higher than that in group C （P〈0.01）. mRNA expression level of NR2B in prefrontal cortex in morphine-withdrawal rats decreased （P〈0.05）, however, compared with that of group B, the expression level increased in group D （P〈0.05）, and there was no statistical significance in increased expression level in group C （P〉0.05）. Conclusion Acupuncture and eletroacupunture can improve space learning and memory abilities of merphine-withdrawal rats, with better efficacy of eletroacupuncture than that of acupuncture, the mechanisms of which may be associated with the regulation of NR2B expression in prefrontal cortex.展开更多
The selection for large and small relative brain weight (RBW) in mice, started in 1999, resulted in stable significant differences in the trait (16%). The selection was discontinued at F22, and both lines (Large Brain...The selection for large and small relative brain weight (RBW) in mice, started in 1999, resulted in stable significant differences in the trait (16%). The selection was discontinued at F22, and both lines (Large Brain, LB and Small brain, SB) were maintained by random mating. In F25-F28 the significant differences in RBW were still present in spite of the lack of selection. In F28 ethanol injections (2.4 mg/kg, 12% ethanol, i.p.) were performed to animals of both lines. The ethanol effects were more intense in SB, than in LB line. Mice were tested in elevated and closed plus-mazes and in slip-funnel tests. Control LB mice explored new environment more actively and were less affected by stressful environment than SBs. SB ethanol mice were less anxious in elevated plus maze, initiated closed maze exploration earlier, moved more vividly and demonstrated lower anxiety level in elevated plus maze than saline injected mice, while changes in these behaviors after ethanol were not so clear in LB mice, although their locomotion level increased.展开更多
基金We thank the German Research Foundation for funding this research project(DFG,grant no.FO 298/31-1).
文摘Foragers use several senses to locate food,and many animals rely on vision and smell.It is beneficial not to rely on a single sense,which might fail under certain conditions.We examined the contribution of vision and smell to foraging and maze exploration under laboratory conditions using Cataglyphis desert ants as a model.Foraging intensity,measured as the number of workers entering the maze and arriving at the target as well as target arrival time,were greater when food,blue light,or both were offered or presented in contrast to a control.Workers trained to forage for a combined food and light cue elevated their foraging intensity with experience.However,foraging intensity was not higher when using both cues simultaneously than in either one of the two alone.Following training,we split between the two cues and moved either the food or the blue light to the opposite maze corner.This manipulation impaired foraging success by either leading to fewer workers arriving at the target cell(when the light stayed and the food was moved)or to more workers arriving at the opposite target cell,empty of food(when the food stayed and the light was moved).This result indicates that ant workers use both senses when foraging for food and readily associate light with food.
文摘Nematodes are microscopic, soil-dwelling worms that navigate through soil particles in search of food or a suitable host. Most nematode species employ a myriad of physical and chemical cues that define their navigation strategies. Here, we demonstrate a microfluidic method to observe and characterize the physical aspects of nematode navigation at real-time. The microfluidic devices comprise a series of interconnected T-maze or cylindrical structures of varying geometry. At each physical intersection, nematodes are given the choice to migrate left or right. We found that this decision-making of nematodes is influenced by the angle of intersection of T-maze structures. We further showed that nematodes can be passively directed to move in a linear direction by carefully adjusting the position and spacing of cylindrical obstacles in its path. The experiments were conducted on two nematodes (non-parasitic C. elegans and pigparasitic Oesophagostomum dentatum) and in the absence of any chemical or electrical stimulants.
文摘Psychoneuroimmunology is a scientific discipline exploring the interconnectedness of the nervous system,emotion state,and immune system.The current review examines the distinct mechanisms through which the mind and body interact when subjected to stress.Manifestations of psychoneuroimmunological stress encompass symptoms such as depression,aggression,fear,and social withdrawal,which can exert a profound impact on physiological well-being.Some observations suggest that humans and nonhuman animals exhibit similar stress-related symptoms,aiding in the identification of pharmacological pathways and potential clinical implications of therapeutic interventions.Animal stress models are predicated on varying approaches aimed at eliciting a motivational state to navigate and confront aversive circumstances.The current review describes the diverse stress induction models that have been investigated internationally,incorporating an ethological perspective that involves evaluating innate and unpunished behaviors through methodologies like the elevated plus maze,elevated zero maze,light-dark box,and open field test.Additionally,conditioned operant conflict tests,such as the Vogel conflict test,fall under the purview of learning and punishment models.This category encompasses classic conditioning models like fear conditioning,psychosocial models such as social defeat,and physical and chronic unpredictable stress paradigms.In this review,we critically evaluate existing cognitive and behavioral frameworks underpinning the development and perpetuation of stress-related disorders,while also elucidating the impact of immune system responses on the mental and physical health of animals.The primary objective of this review is to elucidate the array of animal models employed in previous research and the testing protocols used to assess animal performance in stress induction scenarios,with the ultimate aim of reducing mortality rates among research animals.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,No.H2021206187 and No.H2021206452.
文摘BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction(DCD)is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,but its mechanism is currently unknown.Studies have shown that mitochondrial fission mediated by calcium overload is an important mechanism of DCD.Blocking calcium overload and restoring calcium homeostasis are key steps in treatment.Transient receptor potential melastatin 7(TRPM7)is a novel player in causing calcium overload.Our previous studies have shown that genetic silencing of TRPM7 in type 1 diabetic rats leads to significant improvements in cognitive function,but the specific mechanism remains unclear.Troxerutin,extracted from the flowers of Sophora japonica,is one of the derivatives of rutin and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.However,its association with TRPM7 remains unclear.AIM To use animal and cellular models,we investigated whether TRPM7 mediated mitochondrial fission by upregulation of calcineurin(CaN)/dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)ser637 in DCD,and whether Troxerutin improved DCD by inhibiting TRPM7-mediated mitochondrial division.METHODS In this study,we used db/db mice and hippocampal neuronal cell lines(HT22)treated with high-concentration glucose as our study subjects.We evaluated cognitive function using Morris water maze,novel object recognition tasks,and Nesting tests.We observed mitochondrial morphology using transmission electron microscopy and measured mitochondrial energy metabolism indicators using a spectrophotometer.We also detected mRNA and protein expression of TRPM7,CaN,p-Drp1^(ser637),caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein,and B-cell lymphoma 2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and immunofluorescence.RESULTS In the db/db diabetic mice with cognitive dysfunction,as well as in hippocampal neurons exposed to high-concentration glucose,TRPM7 and CaN expression were upregulated,phosphorylated Drp1^(ser637)expression was downregulated,and mitochondrial fission was increased.By modulating(inhibiting or overexpressing)TRPM7,it was further validated that TRPM7 activates the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway,resulting in an increase in mitochondrial fission and neuronal cell apoptosis.Troxerutin downregulated TRPM7/CaN/Drp1^(ser637),reduced mitochondrial fission,and improved DCD.CONCLUSION TRPM7 promotes mitochondrial fission via the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway.Troxerutin improves mitochondrial function and reduces neuronal damage by inhibiting this pathway,suggesting TRPM7 as a potential therapeutic target for DCD.
文摘Based on a ripped-up and rerouted methodology,a multilayer area detailed router is presented by using simulated evolution technique.A modified maze algorithm is also performed for the single net.
基金Supported by Project of Youth Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province of China:QC 2011 C 040Project of Harbin Science and Technology Bureau:2012RFQX S 052
文摘Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on learning and memory abilities and expression of N-methyI-D-aspartate receptor subunit （NR2B） in prefrontal cortex in morphine-withdrawal rats and to investigate the molecular biological mechanisms. Methods Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely control group （group A）, model group （group B）, model with acupuncture group （group C） and model with electroacupunture group （group D）, with 9 in each group. All rats except those in group A were subcutaneously injected with morphine hydrochloride injectio on the back with daily dosage increased day by day. Naloxone was given 3 h after the last injection to establish the models of morphinewithdrawal rats. After the models were established, the rats were treated with acupuncture and electroacupuncture respectively at bilateral ＂Shenshu＂ （肾俞 BL 23） and ＂Zusanli＂ （足三里 ST 36） for 15 min per time, once daily for 6 days. Space learning and memory abilities of the rats were measured by Morris water maze, and protein and gene expression levels of NR2B in prefrontal cortex were measured by Western Blot and RT-PCR. Results In place navigation test, the escape latency in group B, group C and group D was significantly prolonged compared with that of group A （P〈0.01）, the escape latency in group C and group D was significantly shortened compared with that of group B （P〈0.01） and the escape latency in group D was significantly shortened compared with that of group C （P〈0.05）; during spatial probe test, the number of times crossing the platform of group B, group C and group D decreased compared with that of group A （P〈0.01）, and compared with group B, the number of times crossing the platform of group C increased and the number of group D significantly increased （P〈0.01）. Decreased protein expression level of NR2B was found in group B when compared with that of group A （P〈0.01）, increased protein expression levels of NR2B were found in group C and group D when compared with that of group B （P〈0.01）, however, the expression level in group D was higher than that in group C （P〈0.01）. mRNA expression level of NR2B in prefrontal cortex in morphine-withdrawal rats decreased （P〈0.05）, however, compared with that of group B, the expression level increased in group D （P〈0.05）, and there was no statistical significance in increased expression level in group C （P〉0.05）. Conclusion Acupuncture and eletroacupunture can improve space learning and memory abilities of merphine-withdrawal rats, with better efficacy of eletroacupuncture than that of acupuncture, the mechanisms of which may be associated with the regulation of NR2B expression in prefrontal cortex.
文摘The selection for large and small relative brain weight (RBW) in mice, started in 1999, resulted in stable significant differences in the trait (16%). The selection was discontinued at F22, and both lines (Large Brain, LB and Small brain, SB) were maintained by random mating. In F25-F28 the significant differences in RBW were still present in spite of the lack of selection. In F28 ethanol injections (2.4 mg/kg, 12% ethanol, i.p.) were performed to animals of both lines. The ethanol effects were more intense in SB, than in LB line. Mice were tested in elevated and closed plus-mazes and in slip-funnel tests. Control LB mice explored new environment more actively and were less affected by stressful environment than SBs. SB ethanol mice were less anxious in elevated plus maze, initiated closed maze exploration earlier, moved more vividly and demonstrated lower anxiety level in elevated plus maze than saline injected mice, while changes in these behaviors after ethanol were not so clear in LB mice, although their locomotion level increased.
