ABSTRACT
Objective To study the action of kaempferol (KAE) against Candida albicans biofilms and explore the potential mechanisms. Methods Biofilm metabolic activity assay was used to investigate the action of KAE against C. albicans biofilm formation as well as mature biofilm. The inhibition of KAE in hyphal formation was examined by microscope. The water-hydrocarbon two-phase separation assay was used to test the effect of KAE on the cell surface hydrophobicity of C. albicans. The mRNA expression of the genes involved in biofilm formation was determined by real time RT-PCR. Results KAE showed inhibition effect on C. albicans biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, KAE inhibited mature biofilm. The biomass of biofilm was reduced upon KAE treatment. KAE inhibited hyphal formation and reduced the cell surface hydrophobicity of C. albicans. In the presence of KAE, the mRNA expression of the genes involved in biofilm formation was changed, with the up-regulation of BCR1,NRG1,TUP1 and down-regulation of HWP1,EFG1,CPH1,ALS1,ALS3 and CSH1. Conclusion KAE showed antifungal activity against C. albicans biofilm. The mechanisms may relate to the inhibition of hyphal formation and reduction of cell surface hydrophobicity.
ABSTRACT
Based on recent cellular architectural studies on the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (BST) in the rat by Ju et al, we studied vasoactive intestinal polypeptidelike immunoreactivity (VIP-LI) in the BST using PAP and ABC techniques. (1) Compared with VIP-LI cells, the VIP-LI terminals were more abundant and concentrated. At the periphery of the oval nucleus and in the juxtacapsular nucleus, there was a dense accumulation of VIP-LI terminals. Less densely innervated areas were the part above the anterior commissure in the anterior lateral area and the central part of oval nucleus. The fusiform nucleus and rostral part of the anterior ventral area contained moderate amount of VIP-LI terminals. The principal nucleus, interfasicular nucleus, posterior dorsal nucleus and dorsal nucleus, were devoid of VIP immunoreactivity. VIP-LI fiber branches were sometimes seen going along the vessels in the BST. (2) VIP-LI cells were usually distributed in areas where the terminals were relatively sparse. In the central part of the oval nucleus, the VIP-LI cells were most concentrated, though the total number of it was less than that in the caudal part of the anterior dosal area, They were usually small fusiform in shape, however some were trangular or multipolar.