15-Lipoxygenase 1 in nasal polyps promotes CCL26/eotaxin 3 expression through extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation.

BACKGROUND: 15-Lipoxygenase 1 (15LO1) is expressed in airway epithelial cells in patients with type 2-high asthma in association with eosinophilia. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is also associated with type 2 inflammation and eosinophilia. CCL26/eotaxin 3 has been reported to be regulated by 15LO1 in lower airway epithelial cells. However, its relation to 15LO1 in patients with CRSwNP or mechanisms for its activation are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate 15LO1 and CCL26 expression in nasal epithelial cells (NECs) from patients with CRSwNP and healthy control subjects (HCs) and determine whether 15LO1 regulates CCL26 in NECs through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. METHODS: 15LO1, CCL26, and phosphorylated ERK were evaluated in NECs from patients with CRSwNP and HCs. 15LO1/CCL26 and CCL26/cytokeratin 5 were colocalized by means of immunofluorescence. IL-13-stimulated NECs were cultured at an air-liquid interface with or without 15-lipoxygenase 1 gene (ALOX15) Dicer-substrate short interfering RNAs (DsiRNA) transfection, a specific 15LO1 enzymatic inhibitor, and 2 ERK inhibitors. Expression of 15LO1 and CCL26 mRNA and protein was analyzed by using quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. RESULTS: 15LO1 expression was increased in nasal polyp (NP) epithelial cells compared with middle turbinate epithelial cells from patients with CRSwNP and HCs. 15LO1 expression correlated with CCL26 expression and colocalized with CCL26 expression in basal cells of the middle turbinate and NPs from patients with CRSwNP. In primary NECs in vitro, IL-13 induced 15LO1 and CCL26 expression. 15LO1 knockdown and inhibition decreased IL-13-induced ERK phosphorylation and CCL26 expression. ERK inhibition (alone) similarly decreased IL-13-induced CCL26. Phosphorylated ERK expression was increased in NECs from CRSwNP subjects and positively correlated with both 15LO1 and CCL26 expression. CONCLUSIONS: 15LO1 expression is increased in NP epithelial cells and contributes to CCL26 expression through ERK activation. 15LO1 could be considered a novel therapeutic target for CRSwNP.

Genetic Alleles Associated with SLE Susceptibility and Clinical Manifestations in Hispanic Patients from the Dominican Republic.

PURPOSE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with marked disparities in prevalence and disease severity among different ethnic groups. The purpose of this study is to characterize a Latin American cohort and identify genetic risk factors for developing SLE and its end-organ manifestations in this Latin Hispanic cohort. METHODS: A total of 201 SLE cases and 205 non-diseased controls were recruited in the Dominican Republic (DR). Cases were defined according to the 1997 revised American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification of SLE. Genomic DNA was prepared from whole blood and applied to genotyping analyses for 42 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been implicated in autoimmune diseases, including SLE, in other ethnic populations. Data were analyzed by Fisher's Exact Probability Test. RESULTS: In this cohort, SNP rs9271366 (tag SNP for HLA-DRB1*15:01) confers the highest risk for SLE among the 13 MHC gene alleles that display association with SLE (p = 8.748E-10; OR = 3.5). Among the 26 non-MHC gene alleles analyzed, SNP rs2476601 in PTPN22 gene confers the highest risk for SLE (p = 0.0001; OR = 5.6). ITGAM, TNFSF4, TNIP1, STAT4, CARD11, BLK, and TNXB gene alleles were confirmed as SLE-susceptible alleles in the DR cohort. However, IRF5 and TNFAIP3 gene alleles, established risk factors for SLE in populations of European and Asian ancestry, are not significantly associated with SLE in this cohort. We also defined a novel HLA-DRA haplotype that confers an increased risk for lupus nephritis (LN) and alleles in HLA-DRA2 and TNFSF4 genes as genetic risk factors for developing neuropsychiatric (NP) SLE. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the Latin American population shares some common genetic risk factors for SLE as other populations, but also has distinct risk gene alleles that contribute to SLE susceptibility and development of LN and NPSLE. This is the first study focusing on genetic risk factors for SLE in the DR, a Latin American population that has never been characterized before.

The current situation and countermeasures for conservation of ancient and famous trees in Laoshan, Qingdao, China / A situação atual e contramedidas para a conservação de árvores antigas e famosas em Laoshan, Qingdao, China

This study aimed to examined the characteristics of ancient and famous trees in Laoshan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China, including species composition, number of individuals, origin, distribution, and age structure, to highlight the values of inheriting history and culture, improving urban environment, protecting regional biodiversity, promoting tourism economy and so on. The analyses was made through field surveys and quantitative analyses of statistical data and relevant literature, The main issues in their conservation are investigated and priority conservation measures are proposed. Results showed that there are 290 ancient and famous trees, comprising 42 species, 34 genera, and 26 families. These included four types of ancient and famous trees with different origins, namely religious trees planted by Buddhists, naturally preserved wild trees, trees with agricultural backgrounds for providing food or used as offerings, and exotic trees introduced from other places. There are relatively more local species and comparatively more elder trees. Ancient and famous trees are distributed in large numbers in Mountain Lao Scenic Area and many of them fall into temperate genera. Currently, ancient and famous tree conservation in Laoshan District is challenging because of issues such as habitat deterioration, severe effects of natural hazards, pests and diseases, weakening physiological function, and inadequate management. Based on all these analyses, countermeasures are proposed, which include regularly inspecting ancient and famous trees, restoring their habitats, reinforcing pest and disease controls, promoting studies on conservation technologies, improving management practices, increasing grants, and reforming the ownership system of ancient and famous trees.(AU)

No presente estudo foram examinadas as características, incluindo espécies, número, origem, distribuição e estrutura etária de árvores antigas e famosas no distrito de Laoshan, cidade de Qingdao, província de Shandong, China. Para tal empregou-se um levantamento de campo e análises quantitativas de dados estatísticos e literatura relevante disponível. As principais questões relativas à sua conservação foram investigadas e medidas de conservação prioritárias são propostas. Os resultados mostraram que existem 290 árvores antigas e famosas, compreendendo 42 espécies, 34 gêneros e 26 famílias. Estes incluíram quatro tipos de árvores antigas e famosas com origens diferentes, como as árvores religiosas, árvores silvestres naturalmente preservadas, árvores agrícolas ou usadas como oferendas, e árvores exóticas originarias de outros locais. Há relativamente mais espécies nativas e comparativamente mais árvores mais velhas. Muitas árvores antigas e famosas são distribuídas na área cênica Mountain Lao e muitas delas pertencem a gêneros temperados. Atualmente, a conservação de árvores antigas e famosas no Distrito de Laoshan é desafiadora devido a questões como deterioração do habitat, efeitos severos de perigos naturais, pragas e doenças, enfraquecimento da função fisiológica e manejo inadequado. Medidas foram propostas, por exemplo, inspecionar regularmente árvores antigas e famosas, restaurar seus habitats, reforçar controles de pragas e doenças, promover estudos sobre tecnologias de conservação, melhorar práticas de manejo, aumentar subsídios e reformar o sistema de propriedade de árvores antigas e famosas.(AU)

The current situation and countermeasures for conservation of ancient and famous trees in Laoshan, Qingdao, China / A situação atual e contramedidas para a conservação de árvores antigas e famosas em Laoshan, Qingdao, China

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to examined the characteristics of ancient and famous trees in Laoshan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China, including species composition, number of individuals, origin, distribution, and age structure, to highlight the values of inheriting history and culture, improving urban environment, protecting regional biodiversity, promoting tourism economy and so on. The analyses was made through field surveys and quantitative analyses of statistical data and relevant literature, The main issues in their conservation are investigated and priority conservation measures are proposed. Results showed that there are 290 ancient and famous trees, comprising 42 species, 34 genera, and 26 families. These included four types of ancient and famous trees with different origins, namely religious trees planted by Buddhists, naturally preserved wild trees, trees with agricultural backgrounds for providing food or used as offerings, and exotic trees introduced from other places. There are relatively more local species and comparatively more elder trees. Ancient and famous trees are distributed in large numbers in Mountain Lao Scenic Area and many of them fall into temperate genera. Currently, ancient and famous tree conservation in Laoshan District is challenging because of issues such as habitat deterioration, severe effects of natural hazards, pests and diseases, weakening physiological function, and inadequate management. Based on all these analyses, countermeasures are proposed, which include regularly inspecting ancient and famous trees, restoring their habitats, reinforcing pest and disease controls, promoting studies on conservation technologies, improving management practices, increasing grants, and reforming the ownership system of ancient and famous trees.

RESUMO: No presente estudo foram examinadas as características, incluindo espécies, número, origem, distribuição e estrutura etária de árvores antigas e famosas no distrito de Laoshan, cidade de Qingdao, província de Shandong, China. Para tal empregou-se um levantamento de campo e análises quantitativas de dados estatísticos e literatura relevante disponível. As principais questões relativas à sua conservação foram investigadas e medidas de conservação prioritárias são propostas. Os resultados mostraram que existem 290 árvores antigas e famosas, compreendendo 42 espécies, 34 gêneros e 26 famílias. Estes incluíram quatro tipos de árvores antigas e famosas com origens diferentes, como as árvores religiosas, árvores silvestres naturalmente preservadas, árvores agrícolas ou usadas como oferendas, e árvores exóticas originarias de outros locais. Há relativamente mais espécies nativas e comparativamente mais árvores mais velhas. Muitas árvores antigas e famosas são distribuídas na área cênica Mountain Lao e muitas delas pertencem a gêneros temperados. Atualmente, a conservação de árvores antigas e famosas no Distrito de Laoshan é desafiadora devido a questões como deterioração do habitat, efeitos severos de perigos naturais, pragas e doenças, enfraquecimento da função fisiológica e manejo inadequado. Medidas foram propostas, por exemplo, inspecionar regularmente árvores antigas e famosas, restaurar seus habitats, reforçar controles de pragas e doenças, promover estudos sobre tecnologias de conservação, melhorar práticas de manejo, aumentar subsídios e reformar o sistema de propriedade de árvores antigas e famosas.

Pulmonary Vein Anatomy is Associated with Cryo Kinetics during Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The influence of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy on cryo kinetics during cryoballoon (CB) ablation is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between PV anatomy and cryo kinetics during CB ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients were enrolled. PV anatomy, including ostial diameters (long, short and corrected), ratio between short and long diameters, ostium shape (round, oval, triangular, and narrow), and drainage pattern (typical, with common trunk, common antrum, ostial branch and supernumerary PV) were evaluated on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) images pre-procedure. Cryo kinetics parameters [balloon freeze time from 0 to -30ºC (BFT), balloon nadir temperature (BNT) and balloon warming time from -30 to +15ºC (BWT)] were recorded during procedure. All p values are two-sided, with values of p < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: 606 times of freezing cycle were accomplished. Moderate negative correlation was documented between BNT and corrected PV diameter (r = -0.51, p < 0.001) when using 23-mm CBs, and mild negative correlation (r = - 0.32, p = 0.001) was found when using 28-mm CBs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PV corrected ostial diameter (OR, 1.4; p = 0.004) predicted a BNT < -51ºC when using 23-mm CBs, while PV ostium oval shape (OR, 0.3; p = 0.033) and PV locations (left inferior PV: OR, 0.04; p = 0.005; right superior PV: OR, 4.3; p = 0.025) predicted BNT < -51ºC when using 28-mm CBs. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT can provide PV anatomy accurate evaluation prior CB ablation. PV anatomy is associated with cryo kinetics during ablation.

Pulmonary Vein Anatomy is Associated with Cryo Kinetics during Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation / A Anatomia da Veia Pulmonar está Associada à Criocinética durante a Ablação por Criobalão da Fibrilação Atrial

Abstract Background: The influence of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy on cryo kinetics during cryoballoon (CB) ablation is unclear. Objective: To investigate the relationship between PV anatomy and cryo kinetics during CB ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Sixty consecutive patients were enrolled. PV anatomy, including ostial diameters (long, short and corrected), ratio between short and long diameters, ostium shape (round, oval, triangular, and narrow), and drainage pattern (typical, with common trunk, common antrum, ostial branch and supernumerary PV) were evaluated on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) images pre-procedure. Cryo kinetics parameters [balloon freeze time from 0 to -30ºC (BFT), balloon nadir temperature (BNT) and balloon warming time from -30 to +15ºC (BWT)] were recorded during procedure. All p values are two-sided, with values of p < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Results: 606 times of freezing cycle were accomplished. Moderate negative correlation was documented between BNT and corrected PV diameter (r = -0.51, p < 0.001) when using 23-mm CBs, and mild negative correlation (r = - 0.32, p = 0.001) was found when using 28-mm CBs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PV corrected ostial diameter (OR, 1.4; p = 0.004) predicted a BNT < -51ºC when using 23-mm CBs, while PV ostium oval shape (OR, 0.3; p = 0.033) and PV locations (left inferior PV: OR, 0.04; p = 0.005; right superior PV: OR, 4.3; p = 0.025) predicted BNT < -51ºC when using 28-mm CBs. Conclusions: MDCT can provide PV anatomy accurate evaluation prior CB ablation. PV anatomy is associated with cryo kinetics during ablation.

Resumo Fundamentos: A influência da anatomia da veia pulmonar (VP) na criocinética durante a ablação por criobalão (CB) não está clara. Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre a anatomia da VP e a criocinética durante a ablação com CB para fibrilação atrial (FA). Métodos: sessenta pacientes consecutivos foram matriculados. Foram avaliados em imagens de tomografia computadorizada multidetectora (TCMD) pré-procedimento a anatomia da VP, incluindo diâmetros dos óstios (longo, curto e corrigido), relação entre diâmetros curtos e longos, forma do óstio (redondo, oval, triangular e estreito) e padrão de drenagem (típico, com tronco comum, antro comum, ramo ostial e VP supranumerária). Os parâmetros criocinéticos [tempo de congelamento de balão de 0 a -30ºC (TCB), temperatura do nadir do balão (TNB) e tempo de aquecimento do balão de -30 a + 15ºC (TAB)] foram registrados durante o procedimento. Todos os valores de p são bicaudais, com valores de p < 0,05 considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: o ciclo de congelamento foi realizado 606 vezes. Correlação negativa moderada foi documentada entre o TNB e o diâmetro VP corrigido (r = - 0,51, p < 0,001) ao usar CBs de 23 mm e correlação negativa leve (r = - 0,32, p = 0,001) foi encontrada ao usar 28- mm CBs. A análise de regressão logística multivariada revelou que o diâmetro corrigido do óstio da VP (OR, 1,4; p = 0,004) previu um TNB < -51ºC ao usar CB de 23 mm, enquanto a forma oval do óstio VP (OR, 0,3; p = 0,033) e as localizações da VP (VP inferior: OR, 0,04; p = 0,005; VP superior direito: OR, 4,3; p = 0,025) previram TNB < -51ºC ao usar CBs de 28 mm. Conclusões: A TCMD pode fornecer uma avaliação precisa da anatomia da VP antes da ablação por CB. A anatomia da VP está associada à criocinética durante a ablação.

Cadmium-induced apoptosis of Siberian tiger fibroblasts via disrupted intracellular homeostasis.

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals can cause great harm to Siberian tigers in the natural environment. Cadmium (Cd2+) is an environmental contaminant that affects multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. It has been shown to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell types and tissues. RESULTS: We investigated the apoptotic effects of Cd2+ on Siberian tiger fibroblasts in vitro. Our research revealed the typical signs of apoptosis after Cd2+ exposure. Apoptosis was dose- (0-4.8 µM) and duration-dependent (12-48 h), and proliferation was strongly inhibited. Cd2+ increased the activity of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and disrupted calcium homeostasis by causing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. It also increased K+ efflux and altered the mRNA levels of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-8, Fas, and p53. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Cd2+ triggers the apoptosis of Siberian tiger fibroblasts by disturbing intracellular homeostasis. These results will aid in our understanding of the effects of Cd2+ on Siberian tigers and in developing interventions to treat and prevent cadmium poisoning.

Endophytic fungus strain 28 isolated from Houttuynia cordata possesses wide-spectrum antifungal activity

Abstract The aim of this paper is to identify and investigate an endophytic fungus (strain 28) that was isolated from Houttuynia cordata Thunb, a famous and widely-used Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on morphological methods and a phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences, this strain was identified as Chaetomium globosum. An antifungal activity bioassay demonstrated that the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of strain 28 had a wide antifungal spectrum and strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard et Suggs, Botrytis cinerea persoon and Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. Furthermore, the fermentation conditions, extraction method and the heat stability of antifungal substances from strain 28 were also studied. The results showed that optimal antifungal activity can be obtained with the following parameters: using potato dextrose broth (PDB) as the base culture medium, fermentation for 4–8 d (initial pH: 7.5), followed by extraction with EtOAc. The extract was stable at temperatures up to 80 °C. This is the first report on the isolation of endophytic C. globosum from H. cordata to identify potential alternative biocontrol agents that could provide new opportunities for practical applications involving H. cordata.

Endophytic fungus strain 28 isolated from Houttuynia cordata possesses wide-spectrum antifungal activity

The aim of this paper is to identify and investigate an endophytic fungus (strain 28) that was isolated from Houttuynia cordata Thunb, a famous and widely-used Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on morphological methods and a phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences, this strain was identified as Chaetomium globosum. An antifungal activity bioassay demonstrated that the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of strain 28 had a wide antifungal spectrum and strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard et Suggs, Botrytis cinerea persoon and Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. Furthermore, the fermentation conditions, extraction method and the heat stability of antifungal substances from strain 28 were also studied. The results showed that optimal antifungal activity can be obtained with the following parameters: using potato dextrose broth (PDB) as the base culture medium, fermentation for 48 d (initial pH: 7.5), followed by extraction with EtOAc. The extract was stable at temperatures up to 80 °C. This is the first report on the isolation of endophytic C. globosum from H. cordata to identify potential alternative biocontrol agents that could provide new opportunities for practical applications involving H. cordata.(AU)

Endophytic fungus strain 28 isolated from Houttuynia cordata possesses wide-spectrum antifungal activity.

The aim of this paper is to identify and investigate an endophytic fungus (strain 28) that was isolated from Houttuynia cordata Thunb, a famous and widely-used Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on morphological methods and a phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences, this strain was identified as Chaetomium globosum. An antifungal activity bioassay demonstrated that the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of strain 28 had a wide antifungal spectrum and strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard et Suggs, Botrytis cinerea persoon and Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. Furthermore, the fermentation conditions, extraction method and the heat stability of antifungal substances from strain 28 were also studied. The results showed that optimal antifungal activity can be obtained with the following parameters: using potato dextrose broth (PDB) as the base culture medium, fermentation for 4-8d (initial pH: 7.5), followed by extraction with EtOAc. The extract was stable at temperatures up to 80°C. This is the first report on the isolation of endophytic C. globosum from H. cordata to identify potential alternative biocontrol agents that could provide new opportunities for practical applications involving H. cordata.

Cadmium-induced apoptosis of Siberian tiger fibroblasts via disrupted intracellular homeostasis

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals can cause great harm to Siberian tigers in the natural environment. Cadmium (Cd2+) is an environmental contaminant that affects multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. It has been shown to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell types and tissues. RESULTS: We investigated the apoptotic effects of Cd2+ on Siberian tiger fibroblasts in vitro. Our research revealed the typical signs of apoptosis after Cd²+ exposure. Apoptosis was dose- (0-4.8 µM) and duration-dependent (12-48 h), and proliferation was strongly inhibited. Cd²+ increased the activity of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and disrupted calcium homeostasis by causing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. It also increased K+ efflux and altered the mRNA levels of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-8, Fas, and p53. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Cd2+ triggers the apoptosis of Siberian tiger fibroblasts by disturbing intracellular homeostasis. These results will aid in our understanding of the effects of Cd2+ on Siberian tigers and in developing interventions to treat and prevent cadmium poisoning.

Retrieval of overtrained place navigation during occlusion of one eye and ipsi- or contralateral blockade of relevant brain centers in rats

Place navigation engrams acquired with intact brain can be retrieved with either eye and are stored in both hemispheres. The retrieval circuitry was examined by testing an overtrained rat under lidocaine inactivation of the hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus. Thirty-three hooded rats with implanted cannulae aimed at the above structures were trained to find a target in the southwest quadrant of the pool. Retrieval was tested during occlusion of one eye alone or combined with ipsi-or contralateral blockade (1 æ4 por ciento lidocaine) of hippocampus, hippocampus and visual cortes, or hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus. The intact brain escape latencies (9,8 s) were only slightly prolonged by occlusion of one eye (to 12,6 s). Blockade of centers ipsi/ or contralateral to the occluded eye increased escape latencies to 12,7 or 15,2 s for hippocampus, to 16,8 or 16,9 s for hippocampus and visual cortex, and to 23,6 or 17,4 s for hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus, respectively. Significant asymmetry appearing in the last case indicates that the superior colliculus plays an important role in mediation of the crossed visual input supporting place navigation. Residual goal-finding capacity in rats with blockade of centers ipsilateral to the occluded eye is probably due to uncrossed visual projections to the intact hemisphere(AU)

Retrieval of overtrained place navigation during occlusion of one eye and ipsi- or contralateral blockade of relevant brain centers in rats

Place navigation engrams acquired with intact brain can be retrieved with either eye and are stored in both hemispheres. The retrieval circuitry was examined by testing an overtrained rat under lidocaine inactivation of the hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus. Thirty-three hooded rats with implanted cannulae aimed at the above structures were trained to find a target in the southwest quadrant of the pool. Retrieval was tested during occlusion of one eye alone or combined with ipsi-or contralateral blockade (1 æ4 por ciento lidocaine) of hippocampus, hippocampus and visual cortes, or hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus. The intact brain escape latencies (9,8 s) were only slightly prolonged by occlusion of one eye (to 12,6 s). Blockade of centers ipsi/ or contralateral to the occluded eye increased escape latencies to 12,7 or 15,2 s for hippocampus, to 16,8 or 16,9 s for hippocampus and visual cortex, and to 23,6 or 17,4 s for hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus, respectively. Significant asymmetry appearing in the last case indicates that the superior colliculus plays an important role in mediation of the crossed visual input supporting place navigation. Residual goal-finding capacity in rats with blockade of centers ipsilateral to the occluded eye is probably due to uncrossed visual projections to the intact hemisphere(AU)

Retrieval of overtrained place navigation during occlusion of one eye and ipsi- or contralateral blockade of relevant brain centers in rats

Place navigation engrams acquired with intact brain can be retrieved with either eye and are stored in both hemispheres. The retrieval circuitry was examined by testing an overtrained rat under lidocaine inactivation of the hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus. Thirty-three hooded rats with implanted cannulae aimed at the above structures were trained to find a target in the southwest quadrant of the pool. Retrieval was tested during occlusion of one eye alone or combined with ipsi-or contralateral blockade (1 æ4 por ciento lidocaine) of hippocampus, hippocampus and visual cortes, or hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus. The intact brain escape latencies (9,8 s) were only slightly prolonged by occlusion of one eye (to 12,6 s). Blockade of centers ipsi/ or contralateral to the occluded eye increased escape latencies to 12,7 or 15,2 s for hippocampus, to 16,8 or 16,9 s for hippocampus and visual cortex, and to 23,6 or 17,4 s for hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus, respectively. Significant asymmetry appearing in the last case indicates that the superior colliculus plays an important role in mediation of the crossed visual input supporting place navigation. Residual goal-finding capacity in rats with blockade of centers ipsilateral to the occluded eye is probably due to uncrossed visual projections to the intact hemisphere(AU)

Retrieval of overtrained place navigation during occlusion of one eye and ipsi- or contralateral blockade of relevant brain centers in rats

Place navigation engrams acquired with intact brain can be retrieved with either eye and are stored in both hemispheres. The retrieval circuitry was examined by testing an overtrained rat under lidocaine inactivation of the hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus. Thirty-three hooded rats with implanted cannulae aimed at the above structures were trained to find a target in the southwest quadrant of the pool. Retrieval was tested during occlusion of one eye alone or combined with ipsi-or contralateral blockade (1 æ4 por ciento lidocaine) of hippocampus, hippocampus and visual cortes, or hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus. The intact brain escape latencies (9,8 s) were only slightly prolonged by occlusion of one eye (to 12,6 s). Blockade of centers ipsi/ or contralateral to the occluded eye increased escape latencies to 12,7 or 15,2 s for hippocampus, to 16,8 or 16,9 s for hippocampus and visual cortex, and to 23,6 or 17,4 s for hippocampus, visual cortex, and superior colliculus, respectively. Significant asymmetry appearing in the last case indicates that the superior colliculus plays an important role in mediation of the crossed visual input supporting place navigation. Residual goal-finding capacity in rats with blockade of centers ipsilateral to the occluded eye is probably due to uncrossed visual projections to the intact hemisphere