Highly oxygenated chemical constitutes and rearranged derivatives with neurotrophic activity from Ganoderma cochlear.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The morphological characteristics of Ganoderma cochlear (Blume & T. Nees) Bres were identical to G. sinsense J.

Structures of ganorbifates C-I, seven previously undescribed lanostanoids from the mushroom Ganoderma orbiforme, and insights of computed biosynthesis with DFT.

Ganorbifates C-I, seven undescribed biosynthetically related polyoxygenated 3,4-seco-27-norlanostanoid congeners, were isolated from the edible mushroom, Ganoderma orbiforme. Ganorbifate C features a unique cyclobutene ring constructed at C19/C11, and both D and E incorporate an unusual cyclopropane ring formed by C-19/C-9 linkage. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic methods and ECD calculations.

Mushroom Toxins: Chemistry and Toxicology.

Mushroom consumption is a global tradition that is still gaining popularity. However, foraging for wild mushrooms and accidental ingestion of toxic mushrooms can result in serious illness and even death. The early diagnosis and treatment of mushroom poisoning are quite difficult, as the symptoms are similar to those caused by common diseases.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids Enhance Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival and Axon Regeneration after Optic Nerve Transection in Rats.

Purpose: This study's aim was to investigate the beneficial effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on the neuronal survival and axon regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after optic nerve (ON) transection.

Method: The experimental rats received daily BCAA injections through the caudal vein after left intra-orbital ON transection. Neuroprotection was evaluated by counting Fluorogold-labeled RGCs.

Different neuroprotection and therapeutic time windows by two specific diazepam regimens on retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve transection in adult rats.

Purpose: To compare neuroprotection and therapeutic time windows of two diazepam regimens on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after rat optic nerve transection (ONT).

Methods: Adult rats received initial intraperitoneal diazepam injections 30 minutes before left ONT, followed by daily diazepam (regimen-A) or every 8 hours for 3 days (regimen-B) until they were killed at day 7 or 14. Initial diazepam in regimen-A and regimen-B was delayed to 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12 and 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 hours after ONT and these animals survived for 7 days.

Dose-dependent and combined effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor nitro-L-arginine on the survival of retinal ganglion cells in adult hamsters.

This study investigated the effects of daily intraperitoneal injections of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) on the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) at 1 and 2 weeks after unilateral optic nerve transection in adult hamsters. The left optic nerves of all animals were transected intraorbitally 1 mm from the optic disc and RGCs were retrogradely labeled with Fluorogold before they received different daily dosages of single MK-801 or L-NA as well as daily combinational treatments of these two chemicals. All experimental and control animals survived for 1 or 2 weeks after optic nerve transection.