


Vol 161, No 5 (2016)
- Year: 2016
- Articles: 28
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/0007-4888/issue/view/14742
Physiology
EEG-fMRI Study of Alpha-Stimulation Neurobiofeedback Training Course
Abstract
fMRI-EEG dynamics of brain activity in volunteers was studied during the course of EEG alpha-stimulation training (20 sessions). Twenty-three healthy men (20-35 years) were subjected to 3-fold mapping in a feedback loop (EEG alpha-rhythm biofeedback with acoustic reinforcement). This procedure was performed at the beginning, middle, and end of the course. During the first neurofeedback training session, deactivation (p<0.001) was found in the right angular gyrus, supramarginal, and superior temporal gyri, Brodmann area 39, and cerebellum. Activation (p<0.001) was observed in the medial frontal and cingulate gyri, motor areas of both hemispheres, and Brodmann area 32. During final (third) neurofeedback training session, we observed strong deactivation (p<0.05 with FDR) of zones responsible for spatial thinking and motor functions: left medial frontal and left medial temporal gyri; right postcentral, lingual, and superior frontal gyri; insula and right side of the cerebellum; and precuneus and cuneus (Brodmann areas 6, 9, 7, 31, 8, 13, and 22). Changes in the alpha wave power were most pronounced in the primary and secondary somatosensory cortex of the left hemisphere (Brodmann areas 2L and 5L).



Article
Functional State of the Heart during Spontaneous Nonconvulsive Seizure Activity at Various Times of the Day
Abstract
Circadian peculiarities of HR regulation and functional capacities of the heart in WAG/Rij rats with genetically determined absence epilepsy are related to spike-wave activity of the brain. The number of spike-wave discharges (SWD) is maximum at night, early morning, and evening time and decreases to minimum at 08.00-16.00. At night, functional capacities of the heart are reduced and stress test at night induces ischemic changes in the myocardium at a lower functional load than in the daytime (low level of SWD activity). The decrease in the number of SWD and spike-wave index during the daytime contributes to the central mechanisms of autonomic regulation of the heart. However, these capacities are reduced against the background of increased seizure activity during nighttime.



Effect of ROS Inhalation on Systemic and Local Hemodynamics in Rats
Abstract
The effects of inhalation of singlet oxygen mixture, dry and humidified ozone-oxygen mixture, and ozonated oils on heart rate variability as well as on the rate and control mechanisms of microcirculation were examined in rats. The most optimal were the responses of systemic and regional hemodynamics to inhalation of the gas produced by a generator of singlet oxygen and humidified ozone-oxygen mixtures. Singlet oxygen stabilized the cardiac rhythm and augmented microcirculation via activation of “internal” (endothelial and neurogenic) regulatory mechanisms.



Audiovisual Stimulation Modulates Physical Performance and Biochemical and Hormonal Status of Athletes
Abstract
We studied the effect of audiovisual stimulation training course on physical development, functional state of the cardiovascular system, blood biochemical parameters, and hormonal status of athletes. The training course led to improvement of physical performance and adaptive capacities of the circulatory system, increase in plasma levels of total protein, albumin, and glucose and total antioxidant activity, and decrease in triglyceride, lipase, total bilirubin, calcium, and phosphorus. The concentration of hormones (cortisol, thyrotropin, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine) also decreased under these conditions. In the control group, an increase in the concentration of creatinine and uric acid and a tendency toward elevation of lowdensity lipoproteins and total antioxidant activity were observed in the absence of changes in cardiac function and physical performance; calcium and phosphorus concentrations reduced. The improvement in functional state in athletes was mainly associated with intensification of anabolic processes and suppression of catabolic reactions after audiovisual stimulation (in comparison with the control). Stimulation was followed by an increase in the number of correlations between biochemical and hormonal changes and physical performance of athletes, which attested to better integration of processes at the intersystem level.



Effect of Potassium Comenate on CNS Functional Status in Rodents Exposed to Combined Hypoxia and Hypercapnia in Comparison with Normally Ventilated Animals
Abstract
The effects of potassium comenate on functional state of CNS in mice and rats were studied in the open-field and hole-board tests under control conditions and after acute exposure to hypoxia–hypercapnia. The effects of potassium comenate on CNS were also studied in rodents subjected to propofol-induced sleep. Preliminary administration of 4 mg/kg potassium comenate for 3 days attenuated the posthypoxic changes in behavioral reactions (emotional anxiety/reactivity). The pronounced stress-protective effect of potassium comenate was observed both on days 1 and 14 after exposure to hypoxia–hypercapnia. Under normal conditions, potassium comenate moderated behavioral reactions and augmented somniferous effect of propofol. We hypothesized that the antihypoxic effect of potassium comenate is determined by its stress-protective and sedative potencies.



Substrate Specificity of Na+,Cl–(HCO3–)-ATPase
Abstract
We studied substrate specificity of Na+,Cl–(HCO3–)-ATPase. In most cases, replacement of ATP for other phosphate-containing substances resulted in not only pronounced suppression of phosphohydrolase reactions, but also dramatic changes of their responsiveness to the stimulating effect of monovalent ions. The data showed that Na+,Cl–(HCO3–)-ATPase is a highly specific enzyme for ATP.



Effect of Metabolic Stress on Coenzyme Q10 Content in Tissues of Active and Passive Rats
Abstract
The dynamics of coenzyme Q10 concentration in the blood plasma, liver, and brain of passive and active rats was studied on the model of metabolic stress. This parameter was shown to differ in rats with various patterns of behavior. Dietary consumption of coenzyme Q10 in doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight was followed by changes in its content in experimental animals.



Effect of Doxazosin on Autonomic Nervous Control and Urodynamics of Rat Urinary Bladder during Modeled Infravesical Obstruction
Abstract
The therapeutic effect of doxazosin (40 μg/kg/day over one month) on urinary bladder was examined in female rats with modeled chronic infravesical obstruction (IVO) produced by graduated mechanical constriction of the proximal urethral segment. In one month, IVO induced a pronounced vesical hypertrophy both in treated and untreated rats that manifested in increased bladder weight and capacity, the latter increment being pronouncedly greater in treated rats. In untreated IVO rats, infusion cystometry revealed elevated basal intravesical pressure of void bladder P0, markedly increased maximal (premicturitional) pressure Pmax, and increased amplitude of spontaneous oscillations of intravesical pressure ΔPdet in filled bladder. Doxazosin produced no significant effect on Pmax rise during IVO, but prevented elevation of P0 and increment of ΔPdet in filled bladder. During gradual filling of urinary bladder in control (intact) rats, the parasympathetic vesical influences increased progressively, while in untreated IVO rats, the adrenergic influences prevailed even at maximal filling of the bladder. In IVO rats, doxazosin prevented the bias of the sympathetic–parasympathetic balance in the filled bladder in favor of sympathetic influences, but did not prevent this bias in a void bladder. It is hypothesized that α-adrenoblockers improve micturition during IVO caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia not only by decreasing the urethral resistance to urine flow due to down-regulation of prostate smooth muscle tone, but also by a direct action of these blockers on detrusor adrenergic receptors and central structures involved in urinary bladder control.



Compensatory Changes in the Brain Dopaminergic System of WAG/Rij Rats Genetically Predisposed to Absence Epilepsy
Abstract
Involvement of the brain dopaminergic system in the age-related dynamics of absence epilepsy in WAG/Rij rats was examined by histological, immunohistochemical, and electrophysiological (EEG) methods. We revealed reduced expression of dopamine receptors in various brain structures prior to first manifestations of the disease (at the age of 1–3 months), reduced density of neurons in the center of nigrostriatal system (substantia nigra pars compacta) in 10-month-old rats in comparison with 1-month-old rats, and positive correlation between neural density in the substantia nigra and intensity of epileptic activity in EEG. It is hypothesized that loss of dopaminergic neurons and reduced nigrostriatal dopaminergic innervation of the brain could prevent the development of absence epilepsy in WAG/Rij rats.



Inhibition of Apoptosis is a Potential Way to Improving Ischemic Brain Tolerance in Combined Exposure to Hypercapnia and Hypoxia
Abstract
We compared the intensity of apoptosis in the peri-infarction area of the brain after isolated and combined exposure to hypoxia and hypercapnia prior to focal ischemic stroke modeling. Hypoxia and hypercapnia reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the peri-infarction area, and their combination was most effective in comparison with effects of isolated exposures. The maximum neuroprotective effect of combined exposure to hypoxia and hypercapnia in comparison with isolated exposures was determined by inhibition of apoptosis in the peri-infarction zone.



Effect of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Activation on Proliferation of High-Grade Gliomas
Abstract
We studied the effect of an activator (ShTh) and an inhibitor (cyclopamine) of the Hedgehog signaling pathway on proliferation of human glioma cell lines U87-MG and U251-MG and cultured human astrocytes. The Hedgehog signaling pathway is activated in glioma cells, but not in cultured human astrocytes. Experiments with Shh and cyclopamine can serve as an additional criterion for assessing activity of Hedgehog signaling in known cell lines and primary cultured cells.



Combined Effect of Low-Intensity Helium-Neon Laser and X-Ray Radiation on in Vivo Cellular Response of the Whole Blood and Lymphoid Organs in Mice
Abstract
We studied the effect of exposure to helium-neon laser (dose range 0.16-50 mJ/cm2) on activation of natural protection reserve in mice using the adaptive response test. DNA comets method revealed a protective response manifested in DNA damage level in whole blood leukocytes of mice and in lymphoid organs by the thymus and spleen weight index; preexposure to laser did not induce the adaptive response. ROS level in the whole blood was assessed by the level of zymosan-induced luminol chemiluminescence. In mice subjected to adaptive laser irradiation in doses of 0.16-5 mJ/cm2 followed by X-ray irradiation in a dose of 1.5 Gy, the activation index calculated as the ratio of induced to spontaneous area of luminescence was by 1.4 times lower than that in non-irradiated animals, which attested to reduced ROSgeneration reserve capacity of neutrophils.



Effect of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Immobilized by the Electron-Beam Synthesis Nanotechnology on Reparative Regeneration of Spermatogenous Tissue
Abstract
Effectiveness of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor immobilized by using electronbeam synthesis nanotechnology was investigated on the model of experimental testicular failure caused by the toxic effect on stem spermatogonia. Administration of the drug to experimental paclitaxel-treated animals increased the number of sources of the proliferative pool of spermatogenesis and its productivity. The effectiveness of immobilized granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was based on its ability to stimulate reparative regeneration of the spermatogenic tissue, which manifested in a decrease in spermatogenic layer maturity and increase in the number of microenvironment cells. Effectiveness of the immobilized form of the drug was superior to that of non-immobilized form.



Effects of Humic Acids Isolated from Peat of Various Origin on in Vitro Production of Nitric Oxide: a Screening Study
Abstract
A screening study of biological activity of native humic acids isolated from peat was performed; several physical and chemical parameters of their structures were studied by UV- and infrared spectroscopy. Spectroscopy yielded similar shape of light absorption curves of humic acids of different origin, which can reflect similarity of general structural principles of these substances. Alkaline humic acids have more developed system of polyconjugation, while molecular structures of pyrophosphate humic acids were characterized by higher aromaticity and condensation indexes. Biological activity of the studied humic acids was assessed by NO-stimulating capacity during their culturing with murine peritoneal macrophages in a wide concentration range. It was shown that due to dose-dependent enhancement of NO production humic acids can change the functional state of macrophages towards development of pro-inflammatory properties. These changes were associated with high activity of humic acids isolated by pyrophosphate extraction, which allows considering effects of isolation method on biological activity.



Polymorphic Variants rs13155212 (T/C) and rs7704267 (G/C) in the AGGF1 Gene and Risk of Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities in the Population of Ethnic Russians
Abstract
We analyzed associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs13155212 and rs7704267 in the AGGF1 gene (angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1) and the risk of risk of varicose veins of the legs in ethnic Russians. Frequencies of alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes were estimated in the sample of patients with this disease (474 patients) and in the control group of participants (478 volunteers) without a history of chronic venous disease. None of the studied polymorphisms was associated with the risk of this pathology. The whole AGGF1 gene sequence lies in a single block of high linkage disequilibrium, and both studied polymorphic variants are representative of all other SNP within this region. From these results, a conclusion was made that AGGF1 gene polymorphism does not affect the risk of varicose veins of the legs in ethnic Russians, or its contribution is low and can be revealed only after analysis of larger cohorts.



Sources of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in Tissue Microenvironment of Hernioplasty Materials
Abstract
Titanium and polypropylene mesh endoprostheses were implanted into the rat abdominal cavity and the populations of cells migrating to their surface were analyzed. On both materials, the cells were presented mainly by macrophages that proliferated, activated, and fused to form multinuclear cells. Contact with the foreign surface triggered superoxide anion generation and myeloperoxidase synthesis by macrophages (these processes were more intense on polypropylene implants than on titanium ones) and stimulated production of nitric oxide by macrophage. It was hypothesized that the effects of free nitrogen and oxygen radicals lead to oxidation and destruction of the polypropylene endoprosthesis surface.



Effect of Hyperlipidemia and Plasma Cytokine Levels in Rats after Anterior Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with the Use of Synthetic Endoprostheses
Abstract
The effect of hyperlipidemia on the systemic production of cytokines was evaluated in the plasma of rats after anterior abdominal wall reconstruction with polypropylene (Esfil) and polytetrafluorethylene (Ecoflon) endoprostheses. The reference group was formed from animals without hyperlipidemia, in which anterior abdominal wall plasty was carried out with the use of the same endoprostheses. Intact rats without hyperlipidemia and intervention served as the control. Hypercytokinemia was detected on days 1-10 after reconstructive surgery on the anterior abdominal wall. Polytetrafluoroethylene alloplasty was associated with higher plasma production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which characterized mainly the implant reactogenicity. Hyperlipidemia modified the reactivity of immunocompetent cells to the endoprosthesis. A progressive decrease in the content of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) was observed by day 10 after endoprosthesis implantation, this decrease being more manifest in response to polytetrafluoroethylene. High plasma levels of pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, INF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10) were detected in hyperlipidemic rats on day 1 after polypropylene plasty; by day 10, the plasma level of IFN-γ increased, which reflected positive activation of Th1 lymphocytes.



Effect of Preliminary Injection of Bone Marrow Cell Total RNA on Erythropoiesis Recovery Dynamics in Rats Exposed to an Acute γ-Irradiation
Abstract
Total RNA from the bone marrow of healthy donor rats was injected to experimental rats 6 h, 2 h, or 30 min prior to a single γ-irradiation in the sublethal dose of 6 Gy. Injection total RNA 30 min prior to the exposure most effectively restored erythropoiesis in experimental animals. In 5 days, reticulocyte count in these animals 30-fold surpassed the control (injection of 0.9% NaCl). In 12 days, the content of new erythroblastic islands in the bone marrow in rats injected with the total RNA 2 h or 30 min prior to irradiation increased significantly and erythropoiesis recovery activation was observed.



Morphofunctional Characteristics of Human Lymphocytes after In Vitro Activation
Abstract
We describe a method of activation of lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of patients with cutaneous melanoma and cultured in serum-free medium in the presence of IL-2 and IL-15. Viability, proliferative, cytotoxic, and functional activities of lymphocytes are evaluated. The lymphocytes actively proliferated in this nutrient medium and can be activated in vitro. The method for obtaining sufficient amount of activated lymphocytes can be recommended for adoptive cell immunotherapy of cancer patients.



Methodological Approaches to In Vitro Evaluation of Transcription Activity of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) in Sensory Neurons
Abstract
Transcription activity of NF-κB in sensory neurons was analyzed in vitro using classical immunocytochemical methods and transgenic technologies. Activation of NF-κB in NIH3T3 cells and in murine sensory neurons after in vitro stimulation with TNF-α was demonstrated by the immunocytochemical method; however, the expression of the reporter NF-κB/LacZ transgene was detected only after addition of histon deacetylase inhibitor. Hence, formally contradictory conclusions from the results of immunocytochemical analysis and reporter transgene expression were in line with the hypothesis on epigenetic repression of NF-κB activity in sensory neurons mediated by histon deacetylases.



General Pathology and Pathophysiology
Spatial Memory in the Progeny of Rats Subjected to Different Types of Experimental Preeclampsia
Abstract
Spatial memory was studied in 2-month-old offspring of rats subjected to different types of experimental preeclampsia (replacement of drinking water with 1.8% NaCl from day 1 to 21 of gestation or intraperitoneal administration of non-selective NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME to pregnant rats in a daily dose of 25 mg/kg for 7 days on gestation days 14-20). Spatial memory was evaluated in an elevated 8-arm radial maze. Both types of experimental preeclampsia impaired spatial (long-term and short-term) memory and can be used in the development of drugs correcting negative effects of this pregnancy complication on memory.



Biophysics and Biochemistry
Dihydroquercetin Does Not Affect Age-Dependent Increase in Blood Pressure and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity in the Aorta of Hypertensive Rats
Abstract
We analyzed changes in angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in the aorta of hypertensive SHR rats against the background of age-related BP increase (from week 7 to 14) and the effect of dihydroquercetin on BP rise and angiotensin-converting enzyme activity. Normotensive WKY rats of the same age were used as the control. BP and activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme in the aorta of SHR rats increased with age. Dihydroquercetin in doses of 100 and 300 μg/kg per day had no effect on the increase of these parameters; dihydroquercetin administered to 14-week-old WKY rats in a dose of 300 μg/kg reduced activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. Thus, the early (7-14 weeks) increase in BP and angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in the aorta of SHR rats was not modified by flavonoids (dihydroquercetin) in contrast to other rat strains and humans, which is indicative of specificity of hypertension mechanism in SHR rats.



Microbiology and Immunology
Immunotropic Properties of Immobilized Interferon-α2b
Abstract
Course treatment with IFN-α2b immobilized on polyethylene glycol stimulates phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils, enhances humoral immune response in CBA/CaLac mice, stimulates IL-4 synthesis, and suppresses IFN-γ production by mitogenstimulated splenocytes from experimental animals.



Oncology
Differential Diagnostics of Neoplastic and Inflammatory Processes in the Brain by Modifications NMDA Receptor Activity in Blood Cells with Verapamil and Ketamine
Abstract
For the development of methods of additional differential diagnostics of gliomas of various grades of malignancy and gliomas and local inflammatory processes in the CNS we studied the intensity of aggregation of peripheral blood cells under the influence of channel blockers ketamine and verapamil. In in vitro experiments, verapamil and ketamine in various dilutions (from 10 to 100,000 times) were added to blood samples and the effects of these dilutions on the intensity of blood aggregation in patients with gliomas of different degree of malignancy, traumatic brain injuries, and other types of neurosurgical pathologies were studied. A correlation was revealed between the decrease in surface charge of blood cells and the type of neurosurgical pathology. The use of functional properties of potential-dependent inotropic NMDA receptors and calcium channels allowed indirect estimation of their activity via parameters of blood cell aggregation induced by channel blockers ketamine and verapamil.



Biotechnologies
Nanohybride Materials Based on Magnetite-Gold Nanoparticles for Diagnostics of Prostate Cancer: Synthesis and In Vitro Testing
Abstract
We synthesized a fluorescence conjugate and modified magnetite-gold nanoparticles carrying prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as the ligand. Analysis of their binding to human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 (PSMA–) and LNCaP (PSMA+) showed selective interaction of the synthesized conjugate and modified nanoparticles with LNCaP cells. These findings suggest that these nanoparticles can be used in tissue-specific magnetic-resonance imaging.



Experimental Methods for Clinical Practice
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Involvement in Dogs Using Paramagnetic Contrast Enhancement with Mn(II)-DCTA P
Abstract
Experimental study of a new paramagnetic complex Mn-DCTA is carried out. The complex (0.5 M manganese(II) solution with trans-1,2-diamine cyclohexane-N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid; Cyclomang) was used for contrast magnetic resonance imaging visualization of CNS involvement in dogs with severe forms of Babesia canis infection. CNS injuries were visualized in all cases, with highly intense contrasting at the expense of Mn-DCTA accumulation at the periphery of the damaged zone. Quantitative evaluation of the paramagnetic accumulation in the focus showed that the amplification index wa s 1.19±0.11 for the central areas and 1.47±0.17 for the peripheral ones. The pituitary (1.18±0.05) and vascular plexuses of the lateral ventricles (1.12±0.09) were also contrasted. Injection of the paramagnetic to dogs was not associated with any kinds of pathological or physiological reactions. Mn-DCTA complex allowed contrast visualization of the focal injuries to the CNS and could be regarded as a paramagnetic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging of brain injuries in dogs.



Morphology and Pathomorphology
Morphological Studies of Hepatocellular Carcinomas in Male CBA Mice with High Liability to Cancer under the Effect of Phytoadaptogen
Abstract
Treatment of CBA mice predisposed to cancer with a complex phytoadaptogen in the therapeutic and preventive modes led to the appearance of moderate and low-differentiation hepato-cellular carcinomas infiltrated by leukocytes. Destructive signs were detected in tumor tissue.



Erratum
Erratum to: Dominant and Non-Dominant Frequency Structure of Evoked Ventricular Fibrillation in Dogs with Myocardial Ischemia


