Results support that the time-variance of acoustic stimulation should be considered in the interpretation of Fos-expression findings. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background/Aims: Peritoneal fibrosis leads to discontinuation of peritoneal dialysis. Although aldosterone promotes tissue fibrosis in many organs, its contribution to peritoneal fibrosis and the underlying mechanism are poorly understood. The present study investigated the direct effect of aldosterone on cultured rat peritoneal fibroblasts (RPFs). Methods: The expression of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), 11 beta-hydroxysteroid Tozasertib ic50 dehydrogenase 2 (11 beta-HSD2), serum-

and glucocorticoid-inducible protein kinase 1 (SGK1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA was evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To determine the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by aldosterone, an active oxygen assay with several inhibitors was used. The ability of RPFs to produce aldosterone was examined by enzyme immunoassay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) of SGK1 was transfected into cultured cells using lipofectamine. Results: CYP11B2, MRs, and 11 beta-HSD2 were expressed in RPFs. The release of aldosterone from RPFs into the culture medium

was confirmed. Aldosterone increased the expression of SGK1 mRNA via ROS generation.

Erastin Spironolactone, apocynin, selleckchem and tempol significantly reduced SGK1 expression. Aldosterone upregulated CTGF transcripts significantly. SGK1 gene silencing suppressed aldosterone-induced CTGF expression. Conclusion: The local aldosterone system acts directly as a profibrotic factor via ROS-mediated SGK1 in RPFs. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Experiments in rats have shown that chronic visceral hyperalgesia can be relieved by electro-acupuncture, but the efficacy of suspended moxibustion for relieving chronic visceral hyperalgesia is still unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of suspended moxibustion on rectal sensory thresholds and to analyze its possible mechanisms when treating chronic visceral hypersensitivity rats. Suspended moxibustion was administered once daily to 37-day-old chronic visceral hypersensitivity rats for 7 days. The two acupoints (ST25, bilateral) were simultaneously given suspended moxibustion. Each treatment lasted for 15 min. Rats in treatment of suspended moxibustion was not anesthetized. Untreated chronic visceral hypersensitivity rats and normal rats were used as controls. The abdominal withdrawal reflex was determined during 30-90 min after the first treatment. A 5-cm long segment of distal colon was harvested after seven treatments and 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations in the colon were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.