Restoration of endogenous substance P is associated with inhibition of apoptosis of retinal cells in diabetic rats.

This study was designed to investigate the alterations of substance P (SP) and its correlation with apoptosis of the retinal neurons in diabetic rats. The study was carried out with diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin. Changes of SP and its mRNA were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Adaptive response to stress of acute myocardial infarction leads to apoptosis of retinal cells of rats.

Evidence indicates that adaptive responses to systemic stress occur in retina, as indicated by the changes in sympathetic and sensory afferent neurotransmitters in the retina when under stressful stimulation, such as acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association of the adaptive responses with retina injury, indicated as apoptosis of retinal cells of the rats suffering from acute stress evoked by coronary artery occlusion (CAO). The apoptotic rate of retinal cells and activity of caspase-3 in retina were examined and analyzed over 6 h of CAO using TUNEL and caspase assay.

Acute myocardial ischemia up-regulates substance P in the retina of rats.

Evidence indicates that sympathetic nerves and substance P (SP) are involved in some physiological and pathophysiological changes and activities in retina. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SP participates in the stress reaction and possible involvement of adrenergic mechanisms in modulation of the changes of SP in the retina of the rats suffering from acute stress evoked by coronary artery occlusion (CAO). The changes of SP in retina were examined and analyzed within 6h of CAO using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and EIA approaches.

[Pharmacognostic studies on mangrove Acanthus ilicifolius].

Objective: In order to prove a basis for rational exploitation and utilization of the herb, the charaeteristic feature for Acanthus iliciflius was studied.

Method: The botanical and pharmacognostic features of the collected original plant were stadied.

Result: A.