Oleanolic acid attenuates TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NRK-52E cells.

Background: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis, which finally leads to renal failure. Oleanolic acid (OA), an activator of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), is reported to attenuate renal fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. However, the role of OA in the regulation of EMT and the underlying mechanisms remain to be investigated.

[Cardiovascular change induced by central hypertonic saline are accompanied by GABA release in awake rats].

Aim: To investigate the possible involvement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in cardiovascular responses induced by central salt loading.

Methods: Direct perfusion into PVN region with hypertonic saline (0.6 mol/L) was performed in conscious rats by using an in vivo brain microdialysis technique.

[Facilitative effect of glycine on regulation of baroreflex in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of conscious rats.].

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a central site for integration of the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system. Despite a number of studies have pointed out the importance of the PVN in the central regulation of cardiovascular functions, the chemical mediators in the PVN responsible for mediating baroreflex are not well understood. In the present study, we used the conscious rats to investigate the possible involvement of glycine (Gly) in PVN in the central regulation of baroreflex induced by intravenous injection of phenylephrine (0.

[Effect of antagonism of glutamate receptors in the PVN region on baroreflex in conscious rats].

Aim: To investigate the possible involvement of glutamate(Glu) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the central regulation of baroreflex.

Methods: The baroreflex was induced by intravenous injection of phenylephrine in conscious rats, and the extracellular concentration of Glu in the PVN region was measured by microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. To determine whether the observed Glu release was involved in the baroreflex, NMDA and non-NMDA receptor antagonists, MK-801 and CNQX, were perfused in the PVN region during baroreflex.