Pattern of Notch2, Numb, and Cas8 Gene Expression in Relevant Structures of the Rat Brain during Formation of Spatial Memory.

The expression of Notch2, Numb, and Cas8 genes, whose protein products are involved in regulation of neurogenesis/neuroapoptosis processes, was studied in the relevant cerebral structures of male Wistar rats trained in a spatial habit. The formation of long-term spatial memory was found to be associated with the formation of a specific pattern of transcription activity of the studied genes in different brain structures. The maximum expression of Notch2 gene was found in the hippocampus and cerebellum, the maximum expression of Numb was detected in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, and the maximum expression of Cas8 was revealed in the prefrontal cortex of trained animals.

Melatonin effects on serum cytokine profiles of rats with different behavioral parameters in acute emotional stress.

The effects of melatonin (epiphyseal neurohormone) on the serum cytokine profiles of rats with different behavioral characteristics were studied after acute emotional stress. One-hour immobilization of animals with simultaneous electrocutaneous stimulation of subthreshold intensity served as the stress model. Acute stress exposure of animals with active behavior led to reduction of the peripheral blood concentrations of pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IFN-γ, granulomonocytic CSF) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines.

Dynamics of heart rhythm characteristics and efficiency of intellectual activity during computer work.

Heart rhythm variability characteristics were studied in volunteers with different stability of the results upon switching from one type of intellectual activity to another. Individuals with stable results differed from those with worse accuracy of information reproduction by high initial CV, total power of heart rhythm variability and power of VLF, LF, and HF spectra. Volunteers with stable results were characterized by high lability manifesting by changing values and proportions of heart rhythm variability characteristics at different stages of activity and by the absence of a relationship between these parameters at different stages of activity and initial status of the volunteer.

Effect of activated peripheral κ-opioid receptors on the action of nicotine and its withdrawal in nicotine-dependent rats.

We studied the possibilities of modulating the effects of nicotine and its withdrawal in nicotine-dependent rats by peripheral injection of κ-opioid receptor agonist ICI 204,448. Injection of nicotine to rats previously treated with nicotine for 14 days reduced motor activity, suppressed metabolism, and increased food intake. In rats receiving ICI 204,448 after chronic administration of nicotine, food intake did not differ from that in control animals receiving isotonic NaCl solution.