Objective To investigate the serum levels of endostatin and vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) at different therapy stages of mouse Lewis lung carcinoma, and elucidate the relation to the progress and prognosis of tumor. Methods Forty-four Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, ie. a non-therapy group, a chemotherapy group, a gene therapy group, and a combination therapy group ( chemotherapy plus gene therapy) . Eleven healthy mice were included as normal control group. Serum was collected on the 0th, 5th, 19th day after therapy for measurement of endostatin and VEGF by ELISA. The correlations were analysed between endostatin and VEGF levels in each group. Results ( 1) The serum endostatin levels had no significant difference in all groups on the 0th day,but increased significantly on the 5th day in the gene and combination therapy groups than those in other three groups ( all P lt;0. 01) . Then the endostatin level decreased on the 19th day in the gene and combination therapy groups, but still higher than those in the chemotherapy group and the normal group. ( 2 ) On the contrary, serum VEGF levels of the gene and combination therapy groups decreased significantly on the 5th day and increased little on the 19th day, which were both significant lower than those in chemotherapy group on the 5th and 19th day( all P lt; 0. 05) . There were significant diferences between the three therapy groups and the non-therapy group( all P lt;0. 05) . ( 3) Negative correlations between VEGF and endostatin levels were revealed in the gene and combination therapy groups ( r = - 0. 77 and - 0. 761 respectively) .Correlation was not found in the non-therapy and chemotherapy groups. Conclusion The serum levels of endostatin and VEGF might be used as monitoring indices of antiangiogenesis therapy.
To observe the effect of different dosage of curcumin on expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the tissue of cystiform in air-pouch mouse models after the injection of polyethylene wear particles, and to investigate its mechanism of intervening inflammatory response induced by wear particles. Methods Seventy-two kunming strain mice were used to establ ish air-pouch animal models by referring to the method of Yang et al. and injecting 3 mL suspension of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear particles (concentration 1 × 108 cells/mL) into dorsal cyst cavity. Then the animals were randomized into 3 groups (n=24 per group): group A (control group), 0.6 mL/day normal sal ine by gavage; group B(low-dosage experimental group), 0.6 mL/day curcumin solution at a concentration of 1.6 mg/mL by gavage; group C (highdosage experimental group), 0.6 mL/day curcumin solution at a concentration of 3.2 mg/mL by gavage. General condition of the animals was observed after operation. The mice were killed 3, 7 and 14 days after operation (8 mice per group at a time), the tissue of cystiform was harvested to receive gross, histology and immunohistochemistry observation, as well as RT-PCR and Western blot detection. Results All mice survived till the end of experiment. White cystiform tissue was evident on the back of mice subcutaneously in each group. For diameter of the cyst cavity at each time point, group A was obviously greater than groups B and C, and group C was significantly less than group B. Microscope observation showed that inflammatory response in group A was ber than that of groups B and C, and group C was obviously less than group B at 7 and 14 days. There was a significant difference between groups B and C and group A in terms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression at 7 and 14 days after curcumin del ivery (P lt; 0.05), and no significant differences were evident at 3 days (P gt; 0.05). There was no significant difference between group B and group C in MMP-2 expression at 7 days after curcumin del ivery (P gt; 0.05), and significant difference was evident at 14 days (P lt; 0.05). There was significant difference bewteen group B and group C in MMP-9 expression at 7 and 14 days after curcumin del ivery (P lt; 0.05). Nuclear translocation of NF-κB P65 was inhibited remarkably after curcumin del ivery,and there were significant differences among three groups at 7 and 14 days (P lt; 0.05), and no significant differences were evident at 3 days (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene wear particles can stimulate expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cystiform tissue. Curcumin can restrain expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cystiform tissue of air-pouch animal models, and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 may be regulated by the activation of NF-κB.
ObjectiveTo establish paraquat (PQ)-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mice model via gavage, in order to simulate oral adminitration in clinical situations.MethodsSeventy-eight 6-8-week-old, specific pathogen free female C57 mice were chosen in this study. The mice were randomly divided into the control group (n=6) and the PQ model group(n=36); the mice in the latter group were randomly divided into 6 poisoning model subgroups further, with 6 mice in each, to find out the suitable concentration of PQ to establish stable ARDS model. The mice in the control group were given phosphatebuffer saline (PBS) by gavage, 200 μL per mouse; while the mice in the 6 poisoning model subgroups were given PQ with varies doses of 3, 10, 30, 100, 150, 300 mg/kg respectively by gavage. The clinical manifestations were observed for 7 days, and the ratio of lung wet/dry (W/D) was measured. After the suitable concentration of PQ for stable ARDS mice model was found, the other 36 mice were randomly divided into the controlgroup and the poisoning model group, both were divided into 4 subgroups, according to different observation point in time (1 day and 2, 3, 4 days after PQ gavage). The mice in the 4 control subgroups (n=3) were given PBS by gavage, 200 μL per mouse; while the mice in the 4 poisoning model subgroups (n=6) were given PQ with the suitable concentration for ARDS mice model by gavage. Pathological manifestations by Haematoxylin-Eosin staining and lung injury score were observed and analyzed.ResultsThe mice began to die at the PQ dosage of 150 mg/kg; while the death rate was stable at 300 mg/kg. On the 2nd and 4th day after PQ gavage, lung W/D was 5.335, 6.113, and 5.525, and 6.403, respectively in the mice in 150 and 300 mg/kg subgroup, which differed much from those in the control group (P<0.001). Congestion, edema, hemorrhage, alveolar structure damage, inflammation cells infiltration of lung tissue were observed, and lung injury score increased.ConclusionPQ-induced ARDS mice model by gavage is established successfully.
Objective To observe the effect of local injection of vascular endothel ial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF antibody on the wear particle-induced osteolysis in the mouse air pouch model and to investigate the role of VEGF in the process of aseptic loosening of prosthesis. Methods The stem of metal hip prosthesis was obtained from the revision surgery.Metallic wear particles were made by vacuum ball mill ing. Wear particles suspension was prepared into the concentration of 10 mg/mL with PBS. Fifty female Kunming mice (aged 8-10 weeks, weighing about 25 g) were selected. Of 50 mice, 10 were used as the donors of bone graft, the other 40 were equally divided into control group (group A), particle group (group B), VEGF group (group C), and VEGF inhibited group (group D). Air pouches were made on the back of 40 mice by injecting sterile air subcutaneously. At 8th day, a graft of calvaria from the donor mice was implanted in air pouch. In groups B, C, and D, 0.5 mL wear particles suspension was injected into the air pouches, and in group A, 0.5 mL PBS was injected. Once a day at 6th and 7th days during the air pouch preparation and one time every two days after bone implantation, 0.2 mL recombinant human VEGF (rhVEGF) and VEGF antibody (Bevacizumab) were injected into the air pouches in groups C and D, respectively. In group A and group B, 0.2 mL sal ine was injected. Pouch tissues and bone were harvested at 2 weeks after bone implantation for HE staining, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and ELISA analyses. Results All mice survived to the end of experiment. The gross observation showed that there were mild redness, swell ing, and less neovascularization in air pouches in group A. There were obvious redness, swell ing, and more exudative and neovascularization in groups B, C, and D, most obvious in group C, the next in group B, then in group D. The histological and molecular biological analysis showed that inflammatory responses and osteolysis were obvious in group B and the pouch membrane thickness, the cell density, transforming growth factor α, interleukin 1β, and VEGF were significantly higher than those in group A (P lt; 0.05). The inflammatory responses and osteolysis were mostobvious in group C and the above-mentioned indexes were significantly higher than those in group B (P lt; 0.05). There were some inflammatory responses and osteolysis in group D, but the indexes were significantly lower than those in group B (P lt; 0.05) and were significantly higher than those in group A (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion VEGF can promote inflammatory responses and osteolysis in aseptic loosening of prosthesis. VEGF antibody can effectively inhibit wear particle-induced osteolysis.
Objective Aseptic loosening of prosthesis is associated with peri prosthetical osteolysis caused by osteoclast activation. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) l igand (RANKL)/receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) signalpathway is fundamental in osteoclast activation. To determine whether RANKL antibody can inhibit inflammatory osteolysis in a osteolysis model of mouse. Methods Sixty female BALB/c mice (aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 18-20 g) were selected. The skull bone piece was harvested from 20 mice as the donor of bone graft; the subcutaneous air pouches (2 cm × 2 cm) models were established on the back of the other 40 mice and the skull bone piece was inserted into the air pouches. The 40 mice were equally divided into groups A (negative control group), B (positive control group), C (low-dose RANKL antibody group), and D (high-dose RANKL antibody group). At 1 day after bone graft, 0.5 mL PBS was injected into the pouch of group A, 0.5 mL PBS containing titanium particle into groups B, C, and D. At 2 days before the titanium particle was injected, RANKL antibody (0.1 mL) were injected into the pouch of group C (50 μg/mL) and group D (500 μg/mL), respectively every day for 2 days, and 0.1 mL PBS into groups A and B. At 14 days after bone implantation, the pouchmembranes containing implanted bone were harvested for gross observation and histological analyse. Results All mice survived to the end of experiment, and incisions healed well. The gross observation showed that inflammatory responses, exudation, and vascular proliferation were obvious in group B, and were inconspicuous in groups A, C, and D. The histological analysis showed that significantly more infiltration of inflammatory cells, more obvious bone resorption, more bone collagen loss, and more positive staining area were observed in group B than in groups A, C, and D. There were significant differences in inflammatory cell number, pouch membrane thickness, bone collagen loss, and osteoclast content between group B and groups A, C, and D (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion RANKL antibody can directly blockRANKL/RANK signal pathway, which is an efficient therapy to inhibit bone absorption associated with implant wearing particles.
Allogeneic mouse model of peritoneal heart transplant is a microscopic surgery on small animal with complex techniques. For a beginner, a learning curve of this surgical technique has to be experienced. The learning curve contains three stages:(1) to be familiar with the local anatomy of either donor or recipient mouse; (2) to be capable of collecting donor heart and well preparing the major peritoneal vessels of recipient; (3) to be skillful in the anastomosis of major vessels. The bottleneck of the learning curve is the valid skill of vascular anastomosis. The stepwise essentials are to "understand, be familiar, be accurate, and be quick" in the learning curve.
Objective To study the effect of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) during the induction course from marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to chondrocytes and to observe the effect of cell density on cell induction. Methods Differential time adherent methods were used to purify MSCs obtained from the bone marrow of Kunming mice. MSCs were cultured under special conditionsto induce themto differentiate into chondrocytes. Toluidine blue staining and immunofluoresence were used to identify those induced chondrocytes.TGF-β1 and IGF-1 were used individually or in combination under two different culture patterns: pellet culture and monolayer culture. According to different growth factors, experiment included 3 experimental groups(TGF-β1+IGF-1 group,10 ng/mland 50 ng/ml respectively;TGF-β1 group, 10 ng/ml; and IGF-1 group, 50 ng/ml) and control group(without growth factor). In TGF-β1+IGF-1 group, toluidine blue staining and immunofluoresence staining were carried out at 14 days and 21 days. The effect ofTGF-β1 and IGF-1 on the expression of collagen Ⅱgene was detected by RT-PCR at 7, 14 and 21 days of induction; the expressionsof collagen Ⅱ were compared between two culture patterns. Results In TGF-β1+IGF-1 group, the histological examination and immunofluoresence showed that those inducted chondyocytes could express collagen Ⅱ at 14 days. The gel electrophoresis results showed that the fragment of collagen Ⅱ gene was seen in TGF-β1+IGF-1 group andTGF-β1 group and that no fragment ofcollagen Ⅱ gene was seen in IGF-1 group and control group. The expression of collagen Ⅱ gene was ber in TGF-β1+ IGF-1 group than inTGF-β1 group, showing significant difference(Plt;0.05). Cells expressed more collagen Ⅱ under pellet culture than under monolayer culture. Conclusion IGF-1 could enhance the effect ofTGF-β1 during the induction course from MSCs to chondrocytes. A certain extent of high cell density is more effective for MSCs to differentiate into chondrocytes.
Objective To investigate the effect of hydrochloric propranolol cream and its possible mechanism on wound healing in diabetic mice. Methods Eighteen 8-week-old BKS.Cg-Dock7m+/+Leprdb/JNju diabetic mice were randomly divided into control group (n=9) and experimental group (n=9). After full-thickness dermal wounds (0.6 cm in diameter) was made, wounds were treated with cream containing hydrochloric propranolol (experimental group) or not containing hydrochloric propranolol (control group) at 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 17 days. At 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21 days, wound healing was observed, and healing rate was calculated; HE staining, Masson staining, and toluidine blue staining were used to observe wound re-epithelialization, collagen fibers, and mast cells distribution. Western blot was applied to detect the expressions of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and angiogenin 2 (Ang2) in wound tissue. Results Wounds healed in 2 groups, but the wounds healing rate of experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group at other time points (P < 0.05) except 21 days (P > 0.05). The histological observation showed that re-epithelialization rate was higher in experimental group than control group, there were less mast cells in the wound. The experimental group was lower than control group in IL-1β expression at 2, 5, 7, 14, 17, and 21 days and in Ang2 expression at 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21 days. Conclusion Hydrochloric propranolol cream can promote wound healing in diabetic mice, which potential mechanism is that propranolol can promote epidermal cell proliferation, reduce inflammation, and benefit angiogenesis.
Objective To establish a beta 2 adrenergic receptor ( β2 R) down-regulative asthmatic model, to explore the mechanism of β2 R down-regulation and effectiveness of corticosteroids. Methods Thirty-two BALB/c mice were divided into four groups, ie. a control group, an asthmatic group, a β2R downregulative group, and a dexamethasone group. The asthmatic group, the β2 R down-regulative group and the dexamethasone group were sensitized on 0th, 14th and 21th day by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin ( OVA) together with aluminumhydroxide in a total volume of 200 μL. Fromthe 28th day on, the mice were challenged with an aerosol of 1% OVA( W/V) in saline using an ultrasonic nebulizer 30 min/d for a week.The β2 R down-regulative group and the dexamethasone group underwent the same procedure as the asthmatic group besides daily intraperitoneal injection of 60 μg salbutamol and inhaling an aerosol of 0. 01%salbutamol 30 min/d for a week half an hour before challenged with OVA. The dexamethasone group was injected dexamethasone 5 mg·kg- 1·d - 1 for a week by intraperitoneal injection on the basis of OVA challenge and salbutamol intervention. The control group was sensitized and challenged with PBS. Airway resistance was measured by plethysmography. IL-4 and IFN-γlevels in BALF, and total IgE concentration in serum were measured by ELISA. Total and differential cell counts in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid ( BALF)were measured. Total amount and number of β2 R in lung tissue were evaluated by immune blotting analysis and radioligand receptor binding assay, respectively. Results Compared to the control group and the dexamethasone group, airway resistance of the asthmatic group and the β2 R down-regulative group increasedobviously provocated by a high dose of acetylcholine ( P lt;0. 01) . Eosinophil, neutrophil, lymphocyte counts in BALF, IL-4 level in BALF, and total IgE in serumincreased significantly also ( P lt;0. 01) , while IFN-γin BALF decreased significantly. Compared to the control group, the asthmatic group and the dexamethasonegroup, the total amount and number of β2 R significantly decreased in the β2 R down-regulative group ( P lt;0. 01) , while no significant difference was found among the control group, the asthmatic group and the dexamethasone group. Conclusions β2 R down-regulative asthmatic model can be successfully establishedby peritoneal injection and inhalation of salbutamol on the basis of OVA sensitization and challenge.Dexamethasone can prevent the down-regulation of β2 R.
Objective To establish a modified mouse abdominal heterotopic heart transplantation model in order to increase the graft survival rate and reduce operative complications. Methods The heart was transplanted into the abdomen by anastomosing the donor ascending aorta and pulmonary artery to the recipient abdominal aorta and infrahepatic vena cava respectively. Hilar tissue was not alone ligated, meanwhile recipient lumbar vein was not ligated. Recipient abdominal aorta and infrahepatic vena cava were not isolated, but were liberated and obstructed simultaneously. Results Two hundred and twenty-nine formal transplantations were performed with the successful rate of 97.82% (224/229). The syngeneic graft survival time was more than 6 months. Complications: Aorta thrombus was found in 2 mice (0.87%), inferior vena cava thrombus in 1 mouse (0.44%), heart torsion in 4 mice (1.75%), hemorrhage in 4 mice (1.75%), crural paralysis in 2 mice (0.87%), intestinal obstruction in 1 mouse (0.44%), and no anesthetic accident happened. Conclusions The meliorated mouse abdominal heterotopic heart transplantation model is simple and reliable, which can reduce the operation time. Thus, the meliorated method provides a useful technique for immunologic transplantation research.