Characterization and spinal fusion effect of rabbit mesenchymal stem cells.

Background: The surface markers of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of rabbits have been reported only sporadically. However, interest in the spinal fusion effect of MSCs has risen recently. The purpose of this research was to study the surface markers and spinal fusion effect of rabbit MSCs.

Systemic and local reactions of a water-soluble copolymer bone on a bony defect of rabbit model.

Background: Ostene, a synthetic water-soluble bone hemostatic agent, is commercially available. In the current study, we evaluated the systemic and local effects of this copolymer in a rabbit model.

Methods: Eighteen rabbits underwent creation of a bony defect at right iliac crest.

Biomechanical testing of spinal fusion segments enhanced by extracorporeal shock wave treatment in rabbits.

Background: Extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) has been proven effective in enhancing spinal fusion in a preliminary animal study. However, biomechanical tests were not performed.

Methods: All 12 rabbits in this study underwent decortication at the bilateral L5 and L6 transverse processes.

Diabetes mellitus downregulates expression of connexin43 in rat aortic medial smooth muscle cells and can be reversed by simvastatin and losartan therapy.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of initiation and propagation of atherosclerosis. Although previous studies have suggested that interactions between cells form the framework for understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, little is known about how DM impacts intercellular communication within arteries, which occurs via connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions (GJs). This study tested the hypothesis that DM suppresses expression of Cx43 GJs, and that this suppression can be abrogated via simvastatin or losartan treatment.

Vulnerability of the spinal cord to injury from extracorporeal shock waves in rabbits.

We studied the vulnerability of the spinal cord to extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT). In this experiment, 12 rabbits were divided into three groups (4 in each group). All animals underwent a preceding lumbar laminectomy at L4 1 week before ESWT.

Impact of diabetes on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and connexin43 gap junction integrity: role of pharmacological modulation.

The integrity of myocardial structures plays a crucial role in signal transductions and cardiac function. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that diabetes mellitus (DM) exerts adverse effects on the integrity of gap junctions (GJs) and induces cellular apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes that can be abolished by simvastatin or losartan therapy. An experimental model of DM (induced by streptozocin 60 mg/kg body weight) in adult male rats (n = 24) was utilized to investigate the integrity of GJs containing connexin43 (Cx43) and the incidence of cellular apoptosis in the left ventricular myocardium.

Effect of glucocorticoid pretreatment on oxidative liver injury and survival in jaundiced rats with endotoxin cholangitis.

Introduction: Biliary tract infection is associated with high mortality. This study investigated the effect of glucocorticoid pretreatment on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cholangitis.

Methods: Rats undergoing either sham operation or ligation of the extrahepatic bile duct (BDL) for 2 weeks were randomly assigned to receive intravenous injections of dexamethasone (DX) or normal saline (NS) prior to infusing LPS into the biliary tract.

Glucocorticoid pretreatment suppresses chemokine expression and inflammatory cell infiltration in cholestatic rats receiving biliary intervention.

Aim: Biliary intervention may augment chemokine expression and inflammatory cell infiltration and aggravates liver injury in cholestatic rats. We tested the efficacy of glucocorticoid pretreatment to prevent the complications.

Methods: A model of biliary intervention was established in rats without (sham) or with bile duct ligation (BDL).

Biliary intervention augments chemotactic reaction and aggravates cholestatic liver injury in rats.

Background: Intervention of the biliary system is frequently done in patients with obstructive jaundice and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis is unknown.

Materials And Methods: A rat model of bile duct ligation (BDL) for 2 weeks was established in which biliary intervention was feasible by injection of normal saline through an indwelling catheter in the bile ducts.