Hydrogen improves glycemic control in type1 diabetic animal model by promoting glucose uptake into skeletal muscle.

Hydrogen (H(2)) acts as a therapeutic antioxidant. However, there are few reports on H(2) function in other capacities in diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of H(2) in glucose transport by studying cultured mouse C2C12 cells and human hepatoma Hep-G2 cells in vitro, in addition to three types of diabetic mice [Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice, high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetic mice, and genetically diabetic db/db mice] in vivo.

Hepatocyte growth factor improves the survival of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension via the amelioration of pulmonary hemodynamics.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional growth factor with mitogenic, anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic activities. In this study, we investigated the effect of administration of recombinant human HGF on pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was induced in rats by a single injection of monocrotaline (MCT) and recombinant human HGF (0.

Characteristics and gender differences concerning pulmonary hemodynamics in Clawn miniature pigs.

The characteristics and gender differences of the pulmonary hemodynamic parameters of 16 Clawn miniature pigs were examined and the data were compared with reports concerning dogs and other pig species. The pulmonary systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures of the mini-pig were slightly higher than those of the dog, respectively, but both the right atrial pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were within the normal physiological ranges of the dog. Concerning gender differences in hemodynamic parameters of the mini-pig, the female values, except the right atrial pressure, were slightly higher than those of the male, but no significant differences were recognized.

Skin morphology of the Clawn miniature pig.

Skin morphology of the Clawn miniature pig (CMP) was investigated at the axilla, medial thigh, back and loin. The mean thickness of the epidermis (excluding the corneal layer), the mean number of layers of keratinocytes comprising the epidermis and the mean height of keratinocytes were assessed morphometrically. When observed under a light microscope, the skin of the CMP resembled human skin.

HMGB1 release in co-cultures of porcine endothelial and human T cells.

High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein, primarily from the nucleus, is released into the extracellular milieu either passively by necrotic or damaged cells, or actively by secretion from monocytes/macrophages. Extracellular HMGB1 acts as a potent inflammatory stimulator by promoting cytokine (for example, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) production, and also has pro-coagulant activity. The signaling pathway initiated by receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE), which is the HMGB1 receptor, also induces complement activation.

Effects of olprinone on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in dogs.

We investigated the effect of olprinone on canine myocardial pump function and myocardial damage after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Three dogs of the experimental group were given olprinone (Olprinone group) and another 3 dogs were served as control (Intact group). All animals were occluded left anterior descending artery for 60 min, followed by 6 hr of reperfusion.

Immunohistochemical localization of ghrelin in rodent kidneys.

Ghrelin is a novel peptide hormone, originally identified in the rat and human stomach that plays various important roles. In the present study, we report the intra-renal localization of ghrelin in laboratory rodents. Kidneys from 3 month-old mice, rats and hamsters of both sexes were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

SAMP1/Sku as a murine model for tubulointerstitial nephritis: a study using unilateral ureteral obstruction.

The SAMP1/Sku mouse is a substrain of the SAMP1 (senescence-accelerated-mouse prone 1) which exhibits renal mononuclear cell infiltration from a younger age. We hypothesized that this renal characteristic is related to the incidence of tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the applicability of the SAMP1/Sku mouse as a murine model for TIN.

Characterization and species differences in gastric ghrelin cells from mice, rats and hamsters.

Ghrelin is a newly identified gastric peptide hormone that has various important functions, including growth-hormone release and appetite stimulation. Ghrelin-immunoreactive cells (ghrelin cells) are characterized by X-type endocrine cells in the rat stomach. In the present study, we analysed ghrelin cells in fundi of stomach from ICR mice and Syrian hamsters immunohistochemically, immunoelectron microscopically and morphometrically, and compared the results with those from Wistar rats.

Renin, cyclooxygenase-2 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the kidneys of transgenic Tsukuba hypertensive mouse.

The transgenic Tsukuba hypertensive mouse (THM), which expresses the human renin and angiotensinogen genes, develops hypertension secondary to increased renin-angiotensin system activity. The aim of the present study was to assess expression of the renin, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) proteins in THM kidneys by immunohistochemical stainings. Renin expression was decreased in the THM kidneys when compared to kidneys from heterozygotes or control mice.

A new method of inhalation anesthesia with nasopharyngeal insufflation in rat experiment.

We have established a new method of anesthesia with nasopharyngeal insufflation for intraoral procedure in rodents. Twelve male Wistar rats weighing 330-390 g were used in this study. Insertion of a feeding tube 1.

The hemodynamic effects of acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in Clawn miniature pigs.

Acute myocardial ischemia was induced by occluding the LAD in Clawn miniature pigs. Eight pigs (group 1) were subjected to 6 h ischemia and nine pigs (group 2) were subjected to 20 min ischemia, followed by reperfusion for 340 min. Three animals of the group 1 died due to ventricular fibrillation after occlusion and in group 2, four animals died due to the arrhythmia after reperfusion.