Improving Attention Network Function May Foster Medical Advances | Chapter 9 | Achievements and Challenges of Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 6

Learning a skill involves an interaction between attention and memory [1]. Numerous studies have described how attention and memory interact when confronted with a choice point during skill learning. In both animal and human studies, pathways have been found that connect the executive and orienting networks of attention to the hippocampus [2]. The ability to modify these pathways provides the potential for improvement in addiction and other disorders. The anterior cingulate cortex, part of the executive attention network, is linked to the hippocampus via the nucleus reuniens of the thalamus. The parietal cortex, part of the orienting attention network, accesses the hippocampus via the entorhinal cortex. A recent model argues that mice employ two separate strategies during choice decisions [3]. Our study outlines two pathways by which attention and memory networks interact during skill learning [2]. These studies have led to specific predictions concerning the functional role of each pathway in connecting the cortex to the hippocampus. Here, we review some of the predictions arising from these studies were reviewed. Thereafter, the potential methods for manipulating the two pathways and assessing the directionality of their functional connections were discussed using viral expression techniques in mice. Finally, learning and stimulation of these pathways were discussed to know whether they can prove medically beneficial. We describe evidence for the treatment of addiction and depression. Treatment of demyelinating diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy and multiple sclerosis are also discussed.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Michael I. Posner
Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States and Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States.

 

Aldis P. Weible
Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States.

 

Pascale Voelker
Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States.

 

Mary K. Rothbart
Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States.

 

Cristopher M. Niell
Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States and Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/acmms/v6/3227

Effects of Refined Xiaoyaosan on Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats with Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress through Neurosteroids, their Synthesis and Metabolic Enzymes | Chapter 11 | Insights into the Prevention and Treatment of Depression with Famous TCM Prescription Xiaoyaosan

 To observe the effects of refined Xiaoyaosan (XYS) on the depressive-like behaviors in rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and to explore the relationship between the changes of neurosteroids and mRNA expressions of their synthesis and metabolic enzymes, and the mechanism of XYS in the treatment of depression. Methods: Eighty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, XYS group and fluoxetine group. The latter three groups were subjected to 21 days of CUMS to prepare the stress depression model. Rats in the XYS group, and fluoxetine group were given intragastric administration with refined XYS and fluoxetine, respectively. The behavioral changes of the rats were observed after 21 days. The contents of pregnenolone (PREG), progesterone (PROG) and alloprognanolone (ALLO) in the plasma of rats were measured by ELISA. The levels of PREG, PROG and ALLO in the hippocampus and amygdala tissues were measured by High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis(LC-MS/MS). The mRNA expressions of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 β-HSD), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 5α-reductase (5a-R) in the hippocampus and amygdala were detected by RT-qPCR methods. Results: There were changes in the model rats. The contents of PREG, PROG and ALLO changed similarly, which reflected in the decrease of PROG and ALLO, and the increase of PREG. The mRNA expression of P450scc was increased, and the mRNA expressions of 3α -HSD, 3 β-HSD and 5a-R were decreased. Refined XYS could improve the behaviors of rats and the biological indicators. Conclusions: There is a neurosteroid dysfunction in the brain region of depression rat model animals, and the mechanism of refined XYS depression treatment may be related to the regulation of the control of mRNA expression of related synthesis and metabolic enzymes in the hippocampus and amygdala, further affecting the contents of neurosteroids.

Author(s) Details:

Xiaoling Guo,
School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing-100029, China and Beijing Fengtai District Fangzhuang Community Health Service Center, Beijing-100078, China.

Wenqi Qiu,
School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing-100029, China.

Yueyun Liu,
School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing-100029, China.

Yifang Zhang,
School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing-100029, China.

Hongbo Zhao,
School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing-100029, China.

Jiaxu Chen,
Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou-510632, Guangdong, China and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing-100029, China.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/IPTDFTPX/article/view/11272

Effects of Xiaoyaosan on Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats with Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress through HPA Axis Induced Astrocytic Activities | Chapter 1 | Insights into the Prevention and Treatment of Depression with Famous TCM Prescription Xiaoyaosan

 Astrocytes in the hippocampus are immediately relevant to depressive-like behavior. By regulating their activities, Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a traditional Chinese medicine compound, works in the treatment of depression.

Objective: Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model was established to observe the regulation of XYS. We investigated the behavioral changes of CUMS, the expression of corticosterone (CORT) of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the expression of Glu-NMDA receptor and astrocytes glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the hippocampus. We also investigated whether these changes were linked to XYS.

Methods: 80 adult SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, control group, CUMS group, XYS group, and fluoxetine group. The rats in the control group and the CUMS group received 0.5 ml of deionized water once a day by intragastrically administration. Rats in the two treatment groups received XYS (2.224g/kg/d) and fluoxetine (2.0mg/kg/d) once a day, respectively. Rat hippocampus GFAP and Glu-NMDA receptor were respectively detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and western blot. The CORT of HPA axis was detected by Elisa. Body weight, food intake, and behavioral tests, such as open field tests, the sucrose preference test, and exhaustive swimming test, were used to assess depressive-like behavior in rats.

Results: In this work, significant behavioral changes and differences in expression of the CORT of HPA axis and hippocampal GFAP and Glu-NMDA receptor were presented in CUMS-exposed rats. Like fluoxetine, XYS improved CUMS-induced rat’s body weight, food intake, and depressive-like behavior. The study also proved that XYS could reverse the CUMS-induced changes of the CORT of HPA axis and affect the astrocytic activities and down-regulate the NR2B subunit of NMDA receptor (NR2B) level in the hippocampus.

Conclusion: Changes in the hippocampus GFAP and Glu-NMDA receptor may be an essential mechanism of depression. Besides, XYS may be critical to the treatment of depression by intervention the HPA axis, GFAP and Glu-NMDA receptor.

Author(s) Details:

Ming Song,
Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou-510632, Guangdong, China.

Jianjun Zhang,
Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou-510632, Guangdong, China.

Xiaojuan Li,
Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou-510632, Guangdong, China and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing-100029, China.

Yueyun Liu,
Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou-510632, Guangdong, China.

Tingye Wang,
Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou-510632, Guangdong, China.

Zhiyi Yan,
Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou-510632, Guangdong, China.

Jiaxu Chen,
Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou-510632, Guangdong, China and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing-100029, China.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/IPTDFTPX/article/view/11262

Lectin-positive Spherical Deposits (SPD) in Molecular Layer of Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus of Dementia, Down's Syndrome, and Schizophrenia: Mini Review | Chapter 15 | Recent Developments in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 8

 Lectins are proteins that bind (or crosslink) carbohydrates in a specific way. Recent research has revealed the role of glycosylation in disease aetiology. In dementia, Down's syndrome, and schizophrenia, we found lectin-positive spherical deposits (SPD) in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, measuring 3-10 micron in diameter. The goal of this research is to better understand the nature and significance of SPD in the aetiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. SPD was detected in all cases of schizophrenia, regardless of previous medication. Single strand DNA was found co-localized with lectins in the hippocampus SPD of schizophrenia, including GSI-B4 for galactose and UEA-I for fucose, using multi-labeling histochemical methods, implying that SPD formation in schizophrenia is linked to apoptotic events. The biochemical basis of SPD development in brains with neuropsychiatric diseases should be studied further.

Author(S) Details

Keiko Ikemoto
Department of Psychiatry, Iwaki City Medical Center, Iwaki, 973-8555, Japan.

Akiyoshi Nishimura
Department of Forensic Medicine, Health Bioscience Institute, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/RDMMR-V8/article/view/4574

Impairment in Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Different Brain Parts of Female Mice, Mus musculus Following 17 α-Methyltestosterone (Anabolic- Androgenic Steroid) | Chapter 1 | Technological Innovation in Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 10

 Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic versions of testosterone, the male sex hormone. In this study, we looked at the effects of one of the AAS chemicals, 17-methyltestosterone, on acethylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity in the forebrain, hippocampus, midbrain, and hindbrain of mice.

Adult female mice were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups, each of which received different dosages of 17-Methyltestosterone (17-MT-0.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mg/kg bwt, respectively) s.c. for 30 days.

Results: A considerable increase in AChE activity in the forebrain and midbrain (low and medium dose treatment) shows that cholinergic neurotransmission efficiency is reduced due to a drop in acetylcholine levels in the trans-synaptic cleft. Furthermore, in 17-MT treated mice, a concomitant drop in AChE activity was detected in the entire brain, hippocampus, and hindbrain, implying that neuronal transmission is impaired. Because AChE activity is mostly responsible for the control of the cholinergic system through acetylcholine hydrolysis, a major decrease in its activity in mice may result in stress-related anxiety, memory loss, and various cognitive and behavioural changes.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, we hypothesise that 17-MT, an alkylated steroid molecule, has a deleterious impact on AChE enzyme activity in several areas of the mouse brain, resulting in neuronal transmission impairment.

Author (S) Details

Sachin B. Patil
Molecular Endocrinology, Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580 003, India.

Praveenkumar Kondaguli
Molecular Endocrinology, Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580 003, India.

Laxmi S. Inamdar
Molecular Endocrinology, Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580 003, India.

View Book :- https://stm.bookpi.org/TIPR-V10/article/view/2838

Experimental Evaluation of the Effect of Chloroform Inhalation as a Method of Euthanasia on the Cerebellum and Hippocampus of Adult Wistar Rats | Chapter 9 | Technological Innovation in Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 4

 In Nigeria, chloroform inhalation is a frequent method of rodent killing for study. The purpose of this study is to see how this form of sacrifice affects the cerebellum and hippocampus of Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats, weighing 160 to 180 grammes, were separated into four groups, each with five rats. The control group, Group A, was sacrificed by cervical dislocation (a widely acceptable non-inhalation method of sacrifice). Groups B, C, and D were given 5 minutes of chloroform once a day (group B), twice a day for two days, and three times a day for three days. Four brains from each group were processed for antioxidant assays, and one brain from each group was preserved in Bouin's fluid for histological examinations. Our findings reveal that inhaling chloroform had a dose-dependent negative impact on the antioxidant parameters investigated. That is, as the number of days increased, the negative effect became more pronounced. The histology findings confirmed this, with indications of cell necrosis in the cerebellum and hippocampus regions. This, too, demonstrated dosage dependence. As a result of our findings, we believe that chloroform inhalation is not the method of choice for rat death while investigating brain tissues or conducting brain-related research. As a result, chloroform sedation is not an appropriate method of rat sacrifice for experimental reasons, especially for investigating the rat brain.

Author (s) Details

Aguwa Ugochukwu Samuel
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria.

Okeke Somadina Nnamdi
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria.

Ezejindu Darmian Nnabuihe
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria.

Eze Chinyere Elizabeth
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria.

Azurunwa Ogechi
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Madonna University Nigeria, Nigeria.

Obinwa Benedict Nzube
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria.

Ovie Ogbo. Felix
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Madonna University Nigeria, Nigeria.

Obi Kelvin Chukwuemeka
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

Onwuelingo Sopuru
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Madonna University Nigeria, Nigeria.

Okonkwo David
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Madonna University Nigeria, Nigeria.

Doris Ogbuokiri
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria.

Okeke Chijioke
Anatomy Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria.

View Book :- https://stm.bookpi.org/TIPR-V4/article/view/1501

A Recent Approach: Melatonin Avoids Anatomofunctional Changes Associated to Aging in a Rat Model | Chapter 1 | Highlights on Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 4

 Melatonin is a hormone produced predominantly by the pineal gland and released at night. Its secretion has a circadian pattern, peaking at night. Melatonin is a natural hormone that has a circadian cycle in humans, and its levels rise during the night. Its secretion begins about three months of age and continues to increase during childhood. Melatonin secretion decreases prior to puberty and tends to decline until old age. Melatonin has physiological effects that are mediated by at least four mechanisms: membrane receptors, orphan nuclear receptors, calmodulin, and free radicals. The amount of melatonin produced varies with age. Melatonin is secreted in small amounts by infants under three months of age. It has been proposed that ageing is caused by the oxidation of cells, which causes them to become vulnerable to damage and ultimately die. This research explores the antioxidant effects of melatonin in a rodent model, including free radical formation, MAP2 protein expression, and hippocampus electrophysiology at various ages. When compared to controls, the findings show that melatonin retains a "best" state in the experimental animals. It indicates that melatonin could be used as a treatment to avoid or postpone the effects of ageing on cells.

Author (s) Details

Bertha Prieto Gómez
Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, México.

Cruz Reyes-Vázquez
Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, México.

Mireya Velázquez-Paniagua
Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, México.

View Book :- https://stm.bookpi.org/HMMR-V4/article/view/550

Advancement on the Mechanics of Conceptual Thinking | Chapter 4 | New Horizons in Education and Social Studies Vol. 6

 The knowledge accrued about the implication of the limbic system's internal mechanisms in the production of articulate expression, from which conceptual thought arises, is now advanced to the extent where it is now possible to formulate a simple mechanic of conceptual thinking. Definition of conceptual thought mechanics resulting from sequences of contact between the limbic system and the neocortex verbal regions. Definition of the increase in the level of attention to complete active awareness when the amygdala is activated by a feeling of uneasiness due to a verbal stimulus, accompanied by an active cogitation phase involving the verbal areas of the neocortex, resulting in the strengthening of a synaptic arborescence corresponding to a changed verbal sequence in the neocortex by the hippocampus that eliminates or decreases. Description of the capacity to generalise resulting from the use of articulate languages, gained through education, from which logical thought emerges and the collectively intelligible mathematical language that also evolves through education in certain individuals to varying degrees. Definition of the mode of mathematical thought whose engrams are found in areas not overlapping verbal areas of the neocortex.

Author(s) Details

André Michaud
Service de Recherche Pédagogique, Québec, Canada.

View Book :- https://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/338