Internet-Based Self-Help Mindful Self-Compassion Intervention for Parents of Children With Cancer: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Parents of children with cancer may experience persistent psychological distress and impaired physical health throughout their children's diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a mindful self-compassion program for parents of children with cancer and explore its effect. METHODS: This pre-post-test study without a control group was conducted with 34 Chinese parents of children with cancer, using mixed methods. Participants received a 6-week internet-based self-help mindful self-compassion intervention. Self-compassion, post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, and sleep quality were measured at baseline and at 10 weeks post-baseline. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 completers within 10 days after the intervention was completed. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in self-compassion, re-experiencing, physical depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. Two participants reported feeling miserable or recalling distressing experiences, of which one withdrew from the study while the other completed the intervention. CONCLUSION: The program could improve self-compassion, re-experiencing, physical depressive symptoms, and sleep quality in parents of children with cancer, which demonstrated the feasibility of delivering a self-help mindful self-compassion intervention through the internet. Increasing retention rates in future studies merits further discussion.

A Novel Bionic Catalyst-Mediated Drug Delivery System for Enhanced Sonodynamic Therapy.

Ultrasound (US)-triggered sonodynamic therapy (SDT) proves itself to be a formidable tool in the fight against cancer, due to its large spectrum of uses as a non-invasive therapeutic measure, while also demonstrating itself to be a certain improvement upon traditional SDT therapeutics. However, tumor hypoxia remains to be a major challenge for oxygen-dependent SDT. This study describes the development of an innovative, multi-use, catalyst-based and improved SDT targeting cancer, through the employment of a sonosensitizing curcumin (Cur) load embedded within a MnO2 core, together with an extraneous tumor cell membrane component. The latter allows for efficient tumor recognition properties. Hollowed-out MnO2 allows for efficient drug delivery, together with catalyzing oxygen generation from hydrogen peroxide present in tumor tissue, leading to enhanced SDT efficacy through the induction of a reduced hypoxic state within the tumor. In addition, Cur acts as a cytotoxic agent in its own right. The results deriving from in vivo studies revealed that such a biomimetic approach for drug-delivery actually led to a reduced hypoxic state within tumor tissue and a raised tumor-inhibitory effect within mouse models. Such a therapeutic measure attained a synergic SDT-based tumor sensitization treatment option, together with the potential use of such catalysis-based therapeutic formulations in other medical conditions having hypoxic states.

New sesquiterpenoids bearing 11-methyl ester group of agarwood.

Five new sesquiterpenoids (1-5), together with a known compound 6 was isolated from ethyl ether extract of agarwood. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR), as well as by comparison with literature data. Compound 5 exhibited inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase with inhibition ratio of 48.33 ± 0.17% at the concentration of 50 µg/mL.

LC-MS guided identification of dimeric 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones and sesquiterpene-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone conjugates from agarwood of Aquilaria crassna and their cytotoxicity.

Four previously unreported dimeric 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (1-4a) and three unprecedented sesquiterpene-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone conjugates (5-7), comprising a sesquiterpenoid and a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)-5,6,7,8 -tetrahydro-4H-chromone moiety, as well as three known dimeric 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (4b, 8a, 8b) were identified from agarwood originating from Aquilaria crassna in Cambodia by LC-MS guided separation. Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR techniques, HRESIMS and CD. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines. Compounds 6, 7, 8a, 8b displayed a range of cytotoxic activities with IC50 values in the rang 10.93-49.0 µM.

New tricyclic prezizaane sesquiterpenoids from agarwood.

Ten new tricyclic prezizaane types sesquiterpenoids (1-10) were isolated from ethyl ether extract of agarwood originated from Aquilaria sp. Their structures were unambiguously elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as by HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration of the new prezizaenes 1, 2 and 4 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, while TDDFT-ECD method was applied for 6. Compounds 4 and 5 displayed significant inhibitory activities toward α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 0.22 and 1.99 mM, respectively.

Effect of electroacupuncture at homotopic and heterotopic acupoints on abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has been widely applied in the clinic to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC) is deficient in patients with IBS, which attenuates the systemic analgesic effect elicited by noxious stimulation that is remote from pain areas. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at homotopic or heterotopic acupoints on abdominal pain in patients with IBS. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a randomized, single-blinded, controlled, four-arm parallel trial. A total of 144 patients will be randomly assigned to four groups: a homotopic noxious stimulation group (group A), a homotopic innocuous stimulation group (group B), a heterotopic noxious stimulation group (group C), and a heterotopic innocuous stimulation group (group D). Each patient will receive 14 sessions of treatment, twice per week for 7 weeks. The primary outcome will be pain intensity measured with the visual analog scale. The secondary outcomes will include the IBS Symptom Severity Scale, IBS Quality of Life questionnaire, pain threshold (PT), and the Symptom Checklist-90 for psychological distress. The PT will be measured before and after every treatment. All other outcomes will be evaluated before the 1st treatment, after 7th and 14th treatment, and 3 months later during follow-up. DISCUSSION: The aim of this study is to assess the analgesic effect of EA at homotopic (abdomen) acupoints and heterotopic (lower limb) acupoints on abdominal pain in patients with IBS, as well as the difference in analgesic effects between noxious and innocuous stimulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IPR-15006879 . Registered on 5 August 2015.

Role of 5-HT1A in the nucleus of the solitary tract in the regulation of swallowing activities evoked by electroacupuncture in anesthetized rats.

Somatic stimulation therapy, such as electroacupuncture (EA), has been widely applied in the clinic to treat dysphagia. However, its underlying mechanism has remained unknown. In the present study, the effect of EA at acupoints Fengfu (DU16) and Lianquan (RN23) on swallowing activities and the involvement of 5-HT1A in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) were examined in anesthetized rats. EA at DU16 and RN23 significantly evoked myoelectric activity of the mylohyoid muscle, which was attenuated by injection of 10 nmol 5-HT1A antagonist (WAY-100635) into the NTS. Meanwhile, 5-HT1A expression in the NTS increased following EA. The results suggested that EA at DU16 and RN23 promotes swallowing activity, and 5-HT1A in the NTS may play an important role in the excitatory effects.

The protective effects of Resveratrol against radiation-induced intestinal injury.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal injury is a potential cause of death after high-dose radiation exposure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of resveratrol against radiation-induced small intestine injury. METHODS: C57BL/6 N mice were irradiated and treated with resveratrol and/or Ex527 (a potent Sirt1 inhibitor), and subsequent examining intestinal morphological changes, and crypt cell apoptosis. Then, the expression and enzyme activity of SOD2 in the small intestine were examined. Furthermore, Sirt1 and acetylated p53 expression was analysed. RESULTS: Compared to the vehicle control, treatment with resveratrol improved intestinal morphology, decreased apoptosis of crypt cells, maintained cell regeneration, and ameliorated SOD2 expression and activity. Resveratrol also regulated Sirt1 and acetylated p53 expression perturbed by irradiation in the small intestine. The protective effect of resveratrol against ionizing radiation induced small intestine injury was significantly inhibited by Ex527. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that resveratrol decreases the effects of radiation on intestinal injury at least partly via activation of Sirt1.

The efficacy of traditional acupuncture on patients with chronic neck pain: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A large number of randomized trials on the use of acupuncture to treat chronic pain have been conducted. However, there is considerable controversy regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture. We designed a randomized trial involving patients with chronic neck pain (CNP) to investigate whether acupuncture is more effective than a placebo in treating CNP. METHODS/DESIGN: A five-arm, parallel, single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial was designed. Patients with CNP of more than 3 months' duration are being recruited from Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (China). Following examination, 175 patients will be randomized into one of five groups (35 patients in each group) as follows: a traditional acupuncture group (group A), a shallow-puncture group (group B), a non-acupoint acupuncture group (group C), a non-acupoint shallow-puncture group (group D) and a sham-puncture group (group E). The interventions will last for 20 min and will be carried out twice a week for 5 weeks. The primary outcome will be evaluated by changes in the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). Secondary outcomes will be measured by the pain threshold, the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and diary entries. Analysis of the data will be performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and at 3 months' follow-up. The safety of acupuncture will be evaluated at each treatment period. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this trial is to determine whether traditional acupuncture is more effective for chronic pain relief than sham acupuncture in adults with CNP, and to determine which type of sham acupuncture is the optimal control for clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-IOR-15006886 . Registered on 2 July 2015.

[Advances in Acupuncture Mechanism Research on the Changes of Synaptic Plasticity: "Pain Memory" for Chronic Pain].

Previous studies have shown that there are many common structures between the neural network of pain and memory, and the main structure in the pain network is also part of the memory network. Chronic pain is characterized by recurrent attacks and is associated with persistent ectopic impulse, which causes changes in synaptic structure and function based on nerve activity. These changes may induce long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission, and ultimately lead to changes in the central nervous system to produce "pain memory". Acupuncture is an effective method in treating chronic pain. It has been proven that acupuncture can affect the spinal cord dorsal horn, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus and other related areas. The possible mechanisms of action include opioid-induced analgesia, activation of glial cells, and the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In this study, we systematically review the brain structures, stage of "pain memory" and the mechanisms of acupuncture on synaptic plasticity in chronic pain.

[Effect of Modified Guipi Decoction on Blood Pressure and Quality of Life in Hypertension Patients Complicated Depression].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Modified Guipi Decoction (MGD) on blood pressure and quality of life (QOL) in hypertension patients complicated depression. METHODS: Totally 245 hypertension patients complicated depression were randomly assigned to the treatment group (125 cases, treated with MGD) and the control group (120 cases, treated with Sertraline). Final recruited qualified patients were 117 cases in the treatment group and 111 cases in the control group. The therapeutic course for all was 4 weeks. Changes of blood pressure, scores rated by Hamilton Depression Scale-17 (HAMD-17), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), short-form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36), and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) were observed before and after treatment, thereby judging their efficacies. RESULTS: (1) Compared with before treatment in the same group, systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased in the treatment group after 2 weeks of treatment; systolic blood pressure significantly-decreased after 2 weeks of treatment and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased after 3 weeks of treatment in the control group (all P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Decreased valley values of systolic and diastolic blood pressures at week 2, 3, and 4 after treatment were obviously higher than those at week 1 after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the control group at week 4 after treatment, valley value of systolic blood pressure obviously decreased in the treatment group (P <0. 01). Decreased valley values of systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the treatment group were higher than those of the control group (P <0. 01). The success rate of target blood pressure was 60. 7% (71/117 cases) in the treatment group and 42. 3% (47/111 cases) in the control group, with statistical difference (χ² = 7.6781, P < 0.01). (2) Compared with before treatment in the same group, the score of HAMD-17 at week 2, 3, and 4 after treatment all decreased in the two groups (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the score of HAMD-17 at week 4 after treatment decreased more obviously in the treatment group, with higher difference in decreased value (P < 0.05). The effective rate was 79.5% (93/117) in the treatment group, higher than that in the control group [66.7% (74/111); χ² = 4.7741, P < 0.05]. (3) Compared with before treatment in the same group, the score of HAMA at week 1, 2, 3, and 4 after treatment all obviously decreased in the two groups (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Compared with the control group, the score of HAMA at week 3 and 4 after treatment decreased more obviously in the treatment group, with higher difference in decreased value (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (4) After 4 weeks of treatment, except physical function in the control group, SF-36 total score and the score for each factor were obviously higher in the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). MGD showed superior effect in improving physical function, physical activity, overall health, emotion activity, and health changes to that of Sertraline (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (5) The incidence of insomnia, tremor, liability to agitation, dizziness was obviously less in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MGD had favorable clinical effect on hypertension patients complicated depression. Meanwhile, it also could improve their blood pressure and QOL.

[Effects of bloodletting pricking, cupping and surrounding acupuncture on inflammation-related indices in peripheral and local blood in patients with acute herpes zoster].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of bloodletting pricking, cupping and surrounding acupuncture on blood inflammation-related indices in patients with acute herpes zoster (HZ), and to explore the mechanism of pain control and treatment. METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the observation group, the patients were treated with bloodletting pricking at herpes, followed by cupping treatment; also the surrounding acupuncture was performed at injured skin. The treatment was given once a day and once every other day after the first 3 days; totally one-week treatment was given. In the control group, the patients were treated with intravenous drip of acyclovir and oral administration of vitamin B1 and B12, once a day for total one week. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and percentages of neutrophil, lymphocyte in peripheral and local blood were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the score of VAS was significantly reduced in both groups (both P < 0.05); compared with the control group, the score of VAS and the time of pain relieve were significantly improved in the observation group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared before treatment, the percentages of lymphocyte in peripheral and local blood were reduced after treatment (both P < 0.05) and the percentages of neutrophil in local blood were increased (both P < 0.05). The lymphocyte in local blood was also reduced after treatment in the control group (P < 0.05); compared with peripheral blood in the observation group and local blood in the control group, the percentages of lymphocyte in local blood were reduced (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of bloodletting pricking, cupping and surrounding acupuncture on acute herpes zoster is positive, and it can significantly lower the number of lymphocytes in the local blood and increase the number of neutrophil, which is likely to be one of the anti-virus mechanisms.

Effect of zusanli (ST 36) moxibustion on rat mesenteric microvascular system.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on Zusanli (ST 36) on visceral-mesenteric vessels by observing circulation. METHODS: Forty-five SD rats were randomly assigned to a moxibustion, electroacupuncture (EA), and blank group. In the moxibustion group, heat stimulation of moxibustion to the Zusanli (ST 36) area of normal rats was performed for 15 min. In the EA group, needles were inserted into the Zusanli (ST 36) and lateral point [0.5 cm lateral from Zusanli (ST 36)] for 15 min. The blank group was not given any treatment. We continuously monitored mesenteric microvascular changes with in vivo microscopic video. RESULTS: Moxibustion and EA to Zusanli (ST 36) increase the diameter of mesenteric arterioles and venules (P < 0.05). There were no obvious changes in the blank group. Fine arterial diameter peaked at 12 min in the moxibustion group, while it peaked at 15 min in the EA group. CONCLUSION: The stimulation of moxibustion and acupuncture to Zusanli (ST 36) has immediate effects on expanding the microvasculature. This dilation may be the mechanism of the gastrointestinal effect of Zusanli (ST 36).

[Observation on therapeutic effect of myofascial pain syndrome of the back in the military soldiers treated with moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To provide a set of the self-help and mutual-aid treatment with moxibustion to deal with myofasicial pain syndrome (MPS) of the back for the military soldiers. METHODS: Fifty-eight cases were randomly devided into a moxibustion group (30 cases) and a plaster application group (28 cases). In the moxibustion group, the suspended moxibustion was applied to Yanglingquan (GB 34) for 15 min. The moxibustion massage device was used to massage the pain area. Under the physician's guides, the self-help or mutual-aid treatment was adopted. In the plaster application group, Goupi Gao (a black plaster used in TCM) was used on the local pain area. The treatment was given once every day in either group, lasting for 5 days. The clinical symptom scale, clinical physical sign scale, functional disturbance scale, functional disturbance index, comprehensive economic benefit and the others were adopted to analyze and compare the clinical efficacies between the two groups. RESULTS: Both moxibustion and the plaster application achieved a certain efficacy on MPS of the back in the soldiers and either of them received the obvious improvements in the clinical symptoms, physical signs and functional disturbance (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The results in the moxibustion group were superior to those in the plaster application group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In terms of the comprehensive economic benefit index, the result in the moxibustion group was better than that in the plaster application group. The total effective rate was 96.7% (29/30) in the moxibustion group and was 35.7% (10/28) in the plaster application group. The efficacy in the moxibustion group was superior to that in the plaster application group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The self-help or mutual-aid treatment with moxibustion achieves the satisfactory clinical efficacy on MPS of the back in the military soldiers. It reduces the conventional medical cost and the military medical expenditure. This therapeutic approach is suitable to be promoted in the military.

Differences in thermal effects of moxibustion at zusanli (ST 36) and hegu (LI 4) on various facial areas in healthy people.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of temperature on different facial areas by suspended moxibustion at two points, Zusanli (ST 36) and Hegu (LI 4), and probe the phenomena underlying self-regulation in the human body after thermal stimulation. METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers accepted moxibustion over Zusanli (ST 36) and Hegu (LI 4), and the order of moxibustion points was randomly determined. Moxibustion method: suspension of moxibustion over Zusanli (ST 36) and Hegu (LI 4) on both sides was performed using an ignited moxa stick stuck in a support for 20 min. Observation method: An infrared thermal image of the face was taken before and after suspended moxibustion using a CK350 medical infrared thermal imaging instrument. DATA ANALYSIS: A thermal microscopic section view system (TMTSys) was used to analyze the change in temperature in special facial areas. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 14.0 software. RESULTS: Before moxibustion was suspended, the facial thermal image showed a T-shaped thermal area related to the vascular distribution with even temperature and good symmetry on both sides. Suspended moxibustion over Zusanli (ST 36) have a very significant increase in temperature at the forehead, around the nose, at the corners of the mouth, and at the cheeks and lips (P<0.01). Suspended moxibustion over Hegu (LI 4) also have a significant (P<0.05) increase in temperature around the nose, the corners of the mouth, the cheeks, and lips, where has a new high temperature area was formed (P<0.01). Suspended moxibustion over Hegu (LI 4) raised the temperature at the middle point of the lips more obviously than did Zusanli (ST 36) in the same person,(P<0.05). After 10 min of moxibustion over Zusanli (ST 36) and Hegu (LI 4), the change in temperature in the facial area reached its peak value. CONCLUSIONS: Facial infrared thermography of healthy people revealed a T-shaped thermal area reflecting a physiological thermal area. Moxibustion over Zusanli (ST 36) or Hegu (LI 4) raised the temperature in this facial T-shaped thermal area. Hegu (LI 4) led to the formation of a new thermal area in the lips. The time required for moxibustion to regulate human body temperature was 10 min.

Infrared thermography and meridian-effect evidence and explanation in Bell's palsy patients treated by moxibustion at the Hegu (LI4) acupoint: Overall regulation or a specific target?

Subjects with Bell's palsy and healthy individuals were treated with moxibustion thermal stimulation on the Hegu (LI4) acupoint; an infrared thermal imaging system was used to observe facial-temperature changes. Bell's palsy patients developed low or high temperatures at the affected side, with poor symmetry. Healthy people showed high temperatures on the forehead, medial angle of the eye, nasal ala and around the lips, but low temperatures on bilateral cheeks, thus forming a "T-type hot area" in the face, with good temperature symmetry. Moxibustion treatment for 11 minutes significantly improved high asymmetry in temperature in the faces of Bell's palsy patients. This evidence indicates that moxibustion treatment on Hegu enables increases in facial temperatures in healthy people and Bell's palsy patients, especially around the lips. Moxibustion stimulation at the Hegu not only improves the global circulation but also has specific effects on the lips in Bell's palsy patients, but the underlying mechanism needs further investigation.

The role of the dorsal hippocampus on the Ginkgo biloba facilitation effect of fear extinction as assessed with fear-potentiated startle.

RATIONALE: Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb761, is widely used as herbal supplements throughout Western society. It has been used in the treatment of various common geriatric complaints including short-term memory loss. Our previous study has shown that acute systemic administration of EGb761 enhanced extinction of fear-potentiated startle (FPS) in rats. Little is known about the behavioral effects of hippocampally administered EGb761 on the extinction of FPS. OBJECTIVE: The current study was performed to evaluate the involvement of the dorsal hippocampus (DH) in the EGb761 facilitation effect on the extinction of FPS. METHODS AND RESULT: Male adult SD rats were used. EGb761 (28 ng/side, bilaterally) was infused into DH bilaterally 10 min prior to extinction training. Animals were then tested for FPS 24 h later. Results showed that intra-hippocampal infusion of EGb761 prior to extinction training facilitated extinction, which was not due to impairments of expression of conditioned fear. Intra-hippocampal injection of ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 partially attenuates the above EGb761 effect. Therefore, acute EGb761 administration modulated extinction of conditioned fear, which might be mediated by more than one signal cascade. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that DH may participate in the facilitation effect of EGb761 on the extinction of conditioned fear. In addition to ERK1/2, another signal cascade may also be involved in the EGb761 facilitation effect on extinction.

Upregulation of NF-E2-related factor-2-dependent glutathione by carnosol provokes a cytoprotective response and enhances cell survival.

AIM: To explore whether glutathione (GSH) increased through Nrf-2 activation is involved in the cytoprotective effects of carnosol in HepG2 cells. METHODS: Human hepatoma cell line HepG2 were exposed to rosemarry essential oil or carnosol. Cell viability was measured using an Alamar blue assay. The production of intracellular GSH was determined using monochlorobimane. The level of protein or mRNA was examined by Western blotting or RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Rosemarry essential oil (0.005%-0.02%) and carnosol (5 and 10 mol/L) increased the intracellular GSH levels and GSH synthesis enzyme subunit GCLC/GCLM expression. Rosemary essential oil and carnosol increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and enhanced Nrf2-antioxidant responsive element (ARE)-reporter activity. Transfection of the treated cells with an Nrf2 siRNA construct blocks GCLC/GCLM induction. Furthermore, pretreatment of the HepG2 cells with essential oil and carnosol exerted significant cytoprotective effects against H(2)O(2) or alcohol. In TNFα-treated cells, the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of NF-κB was abolished for 12 h following carnosol pretreatment. Cotreatment with GSH also suppressed NF-κB nuclear translocation, whereas cotreatment with BSO, a GSH synthesis blocker, blocked the inhibitory effects of carnosol. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that Nrf2 is involved in the cytoprotective effects by carnasol, which were at least partially mediated through increased GSH biosynthesis.

Intra-amygdaloid infusion of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb761) facilitates fear-potentiated startle in rats.

RATIONALE: Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb761, is one of the most commonly used herbal supplements throughout Western society. It has been used in the treatment of various common geriatric complaints including short-term memory loss. We showed that acute systemic administration of EGb761 enhanced fear-potentiated startle (FPS) in rats. Little is known about the behavioral effects of centrally administered EGb761 on FPS. OBJECTIVE: The current study was performed to evaluate the involvement of basolateral nucleus of amygdala (BLA) in the EGb761 facilitation effect on FPS. METHODS AND RESULT: Male adult SD rats were used. EGb761 was infused into cerebroventricle or basolateral nucleus of amygdala 10 min prior to fear conditioning. Animals were then tested for FPS 24 h later. Results showed that (1) intra-cerebroventricular infusion of EGb761 (0.1, 1.0, or 3.0 microg/3.0 microl per side, bilaterally) and intra-amygdaloid infusion of EGb761 (1.0, 14.0, or 28.0 ng/microl per side, bilaterally) 30 and 10 min prior to fear conditioning, respectively, facilitated FPS in a dose-dependent manner. (2) Administration of EGb761 did not impair an animal's basal startle response or pain perception. (3) Subsequent control experiment's results indicated that the facilitation effect of EGb761 on the acquisition was not due to anxiogenic effect or non-specific effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that a single dose of EGb761 also has memory-enhancing effects in young animals. In addition, BLA is the central locus for EGb761 facilitation effect on FPS.