Activity In Male Rats Research Articles

Enhancement of Drug Seeking Following Drug Taking in a Sexual Context Requires Anterior Cingulate Cortex Activity in Male Rats.

Individual variance in vulnerability to develop addictions is influenced by social factors. Specifically, drug-taking in a sexual context appears to enhance further drug-seeking behavior in human users, as these users identify the effects of drugs to enhance sexual pleasure as a primary reason for continued drug use. Methamphetamine (Meth) is commonly used in this context. Similarly, male rats that self-administered Meth immediately followed by sexual behavior display enhanced drug-seeking behavior, including attenuation of extinction and increased reinstatement to seeking of Meth-associated cues. Hence, drug-taking in a sexual context enhances vulnerability for addiction. However, the neural mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown. Here the hypothesis was tested that medial prefrontal cortex is essential for this effect of Meth and sex when experienced concurrently. First it was shown that CaMKII neurons in the anterior cingulate area (ACA) were co-activated by both Meth and sex. Next, chemogenetic inactivation of ACA CaMKII cells using AAV5-CaMKIIa-hM4Di-mCherry was shown not to affect Meth-induced locomotor activity or sexual behavior. Subsequently, chemogenetic inactivation of ACA CaMKII neurons during Meth self-administration followed by sexual behavior was shown to prevent the effects of Meth and sex on enhanced reinstatement of Meth-seeking but did not affect enhanced drug-seeking during extinction tests. These results indicate that ACA CaMKII cell activation during exposure to Meth in a sexual context plays an essential role in the subsequent enhancement of drug-seeking during reinstatement tests.

Development of Topical Antibacterial Gel Loaded with Cefadroxil Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: In vivo Wound Healing Activity and Epithelialization Study

Wound could be caused due to physical trauma or surgical incisions. The incidence of infection may extend the wound healing process. Thus, present study was aimed for the sustained drug release and site specificity in dermal region to eradicate the bacterial infection, thereby accelerate the wound healing process. Wound healing process was performed by the eradicating cutaneous infection with Cefadroxil loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) based topical gels. Materials and Methods: Solid lipid nanoparticles of Cefadroxil (CEF) were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. Based on the particle and physicochemical characterizations one formulation was optimized. Selected formulation 1% w/w SLN4 was loaded in 1% w/v carbopol to develop topical antibacterial gel, which was evaluated for pH, spreadability, drug release and in vivo wound healing activity in male rats. Results: From the prepared five nanocarriers, SLN4 was selected that showed nanorange size, stable, monodispersed particles, with the optimum entrapment efficiency and drug loading. Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) presented that CEF was encapsulated and available in the non-crystalline form in SLN. Polymeric gel loaded with CEF-SLN4 has desired pH and spreadability with 86.76 +/- 0.12% of drug released in 8 h. Whereas in vivo wound healing activity was assessed as wound contraction and noted to be 99.73 +/- 0.93% within 3 weeks alongside complete epithelialization was achieved within 17 days by the application of CEF-SLN4 gel. Conclusion: Prepared CEF-SLN4 gel was stable, skin-compatible and spreadable with sustained drug release. Applied gel efficiently permeable deeper into skin layers, eradicate the bacterial growth and could be effective in treating the infectious wound in short-span of time. Therefore, CEF-SLN4 topical gel could be efficiently used for the faster wound healing treatment.

Aphrodisiac Activity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit extract on the sexual function in rats.

Punica granatum L. has proven to possess aphrodisiacs effects in the management of male sexual disorder. There being no scientific validation of these claims, Punica granatum fruit extract was investigated for its aphrodisiac activity in male rats.Fifty (50) adult male and female albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 250-350 g and 200-250g respectively were used in this study. The pomegranate fruit extract was orally administered (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg) to different groups of male rats on a once-daily regime for seven (7) days.Oral administration of Punica granatum L. fruit extract at the dose of 1500 mg/kg produced a significant increase of sexual activity in male rats. It caused a significant increase in Mounting Frequency, Intromission Frequency, Intromission Latency and caused a significant reduction in Mounting Latency and Post Ejaculatory Intervals. It also significantly increased Mounting Frequency with Penile anaesthetization as well as frequencies of Erection, Quick and Flips, Long Flips and the aggregate of penile reflexes with penile stimulation. In addition, the extract was also observed to be devoid of any adverse effects and acute toxicity.The resultant significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats without any conspicuous adverse effects indicate that Punica granatum certainly has aphrodisiac activity particularly at the dose of 1500 mg/kg and lends support to the traditional claim.

Evaluation of the potential aphrodisiac activity of sesquiterpenoids from roots of Ferula huber-morathii Peşmen in male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSeveral species of Ferula L. genus have been used in traditional Turkish medicine as aphrodisiac to treat male sexual dysfunction. Especially, roots and oleo gum resin of F. elaeochytris Korovin, F. communis L., F. assa-foetida L. and F. gummosa Boiss. were claimed to be used for aphrodisiac activity, menstrual regulation and treatment of gastric pain in Anatolia. Ferula L. is represented by 23 taxa in Turkey, 13 of which are endemic species. F. huber-morathii Peşmen (FHM), an endemic plant, is popularly known as ‘‘helizan, çağşır’’. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to isolate sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Ferula huber-morathii (FHM) and to confirm their aphrodisiac potential in male rats. Material and methodsIn a preliminary experiment, the effects of aqueous (H2O) and chloroform (CHCl3) extracts of FHM were tested for their potential aphrodisiac activities in male rats. Then, sesquiterpene derivatives were isolated from the active chloroform extract of FHM roots (FHM-R) and characterized (TLC, 1D, 2D NMR, HR-MS and CD). Moreover, some of the isolates with adequate quantities were evaluated for their possible aphrodisiac effects on male rats. Single doses (10 mg/kg BW) of sildenafil citrate (SC, positive control), gummosin, mogoltavidin, deacetylkellerin, ferukrin acetate with kellerin, elaeochytrin-A and ferutinin were administered orally by gavages to male Wistar albino rats. Mount latency (ML), mount frequency (MF), intromission latency (IL), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation latency (EL) and postejaculatory interval (PEI) were studied. In addition, copulatory efficiency (CE) and intercopulatory efficiency (ICE) were calculated. ResultsThe preliminary experiment revealed that the chloroform extract was the main source of the active compounds as it showed the higher aphrodisiac activity while the aqueous extract was found to be inactive. Eleven sesquiterpene derivatives, viz. gummosin, mogoltavidin, farnesiferol A, deacetylkellerin, ferukrin acetate, kellerin, teuclatriol, feruhermonin C, ferutinin, elaeochytrin A and teferidin, were isolated from the FHM-CHCl3 extract. Oral administration of deacetylkellerin, elaeochytrin-A and ferutinin significantly increased MF and IF. The ML and IL were significantly reduced, and ejaculation latencies were prolonged. Administration of these sesquiterpenoids also reduced the PEI. The present results revealed that ferutinin was the most effective aphrodisiac compound compared to other sesquiterpenoids. The results of 10 mg/kg of ferutinin are comparable to SC, the positive control. The results revealed that gummosin, mogoltavidin and ferukrin acetate with kellerin did not significantly alter the aphrodisiac parameters. ConclusionsThis study has established that the CHCl3 extract of FHM root contains sesquiterpene derivatives, especially coumarin ethers and benzoic esters. Findings of the present study demonstrate that the chloroform extract and some of the sesquiterpene derivatives significantly stimulates sexual behavior in male rats, thus suggesting that F. huber-morathii possesses an aphrodisiac activity.

The potential aphrodisiac effect of Ferula drudeana korovin extracts and isolated sesquiterpene coumarins in male rats

Background: Many members of the genus Ferula are used in traditional medicine as aphrodisiac. Objectives: The aim of this study is to confirm the aphrodisiac potential of Ferula drudeana Korovin as listed in the Turkish traditional medicine and to isolate the active metabolites using male rats. Materials and Methods: The CHCl3soluble fraction showed promising activity. Chromatographic purification resulted in the isolation of three sesquiterpene coumarins. Isolated compounds structures were determined as feselol (1), samarcandin (2), and 3'-O-acetyl samarcandin (3) based on the physical and spectral characters. Single doses of F. drudeana CHCl3soluble fraction, aqueous fraction (200 mg/kg BW), 1 and 2 (10 mg/kg BW), and sildenafil citrate (10 mg/kg BW) were orally administered to male Wistar albino rats by gavages. Mount latency, mount frequency (MF), intromission latency, intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation latency, and postejaculatory interval (PEI) were studied. In addition, copulatory efficiency and intercopulatory efficiency were calculated. Results: Oral administration of F. drudeana roots extracts, 1 and 2 significantly increased MF and IF. The latencies of mount and intromission were reduced significantly and ELs were prolonged. Treatment with the extracts, 1 and 2 resulted in the reduction of the PEI. The highest aphrodisiac activity in male rats was exhibited by 2. Conclusion: The present findings provide experimental evidence that F. drudeana roots, 1 and 2 possess aphrodisiac activities by enhancing the sexual behavior of male rats. The obtained results supported the traditional claims about the use of Ferula species for male sexual dysfunction.

Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies and Antispermatogenic Activity of Tri- and Pentavalent Organoantimony Derivatives of Schiff Bases

Diphenyl antimony(III) and triphenylantimony(V) derivatives of Schiff bases having general formulae Ph2Sb[OC(R)CHC(R′)NC6H5] and Ph3Sb[OC(R)CHC(R′)NC6H5]2 (where R=R′=CH3,C6H5; R = CH3, R′=C6H5), respectively have been prepared. Trivalent organoantimony derivatives have been synthesized by the reaction of RC(O)CHC(R′)-NH(C6H5) with Ph3Sb in 1: 1 molar ratio whereas, pentavalent organoantimony derivatives have been synthesized by the reaction of Ph3SbBr2 with Na[OC(R)CHC(R′)N(C6H5)] in 1:2 molar ratio, respectively in benzene solution. The structures of these complexes have been assigned on the basis of chemical analysis, molecular weight measurements and spectral (IR 1H & 13C NMR) studies. Schiff base (R = CH3, R′ = C6H5 ) and its corresponding organoantimony(III) and antimony(V) compounds were used for evaluation of reproductive physiological activity in male rats and for studying antifertility activity. Compounds were administrated orally for 30 days to male albino rats and after termination of treatment, animal tissue and serum were taken for histopathological, biochemical and hematological parameters

The effect of pomegranate juice and peel on testosterone level and antioxidants activity in male rats

The effect of pomegranate juice and peel on testosterone level and antioxidants activity in male rats

In vivo effects of Rauvolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) ethanolic extract on sexual performance and reproductive activity in male rats.

Plants and plant-derived products have a long history in the treatment of sexual disorders. Rauvolfia vomitoria is one of such plant used traditionally for the enhancement of male sexual and reproductive activity. This study was carried out to elucidate the potential activity of R.vomitoria ethanolic extract on sexual behaviour and male reproductive function. Twenty-five male rats were assigned to five groups and orally treated with distilled water (control), sildenafil citrate (standard) and R.vomitoria ethanolic extract (50, 100 and 200mg/kg BW) for 22days. Sexual behaviour parameters such as mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (IF) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) were recorded at day 0, 1, 8, 15 and 22. The reproductive function including reproductive organ weights, testicular histology and sperm parameters was also assessed. Results showed enhancement in sexual behaviour through significant reduction (p<.01) in ML, IL and PEI and significant increase (p<.01) in EL, MF IF and EF. The extract also caused an increase in sperm count, motility and transit. Present findings demonstrate the ability of R.vomitoria ethanolic extract to improve male sexual behaviour and reproductive activity in rats.

Effect of Some Antioxidants on Rats Treated With Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) is used in the production of food colorants, some nutritional supplements and many other products on large scale. Many studies stated that the TiO2NPs are more toxic than titanium dioxide (TiO2) and as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The aim of study was carried out to investigate the impacts of vitamin C and vitamin E on free radicals and antioxidant enzymes activities in male rats treated with TiO2NPs. The obtained results showed that, there were no significant (P≥0.05) differences found in red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb) and platelets count (PLT) after treated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) or natural antioxidants (vitamin E and C). The treatment with TiO2NPs alone caused significant (P≤0.05) increase in kidney and liver functions, while the oral intake of V.C and V.E or V.C+V.E reduced this increase. Also, the treatment with TiO2NPs increased the level of free radicals and decreased the activity of some antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the content of Glutathione (GSH) in plasma. Meanwhile, V.C and V.E decreased the increased in free radicals and protected the activity of antioxidant enzymes in plasma of TiO2NPs- treated rats.

Does methamphetamine exposure affect sexual behavior and locomotor activity in male rats?

Does methamphetamine exposure affect sexual behavior and locomotor activity in male rats?

Effect of Oral Methylphenidate on the Experimental Epileptiform Activity in Male Rats

Effect of Oral Methylphenidate on the Experimental Epileptiform Activity in Male Rats

Soy Isoflavones Ameliorate Fatty Acid Metabolism of Visceral Adipose Tissue by Increasing the AMPK Activity in Male Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO).

Soy isoflavones are natural active ingredients of soy plants that are beneficial to many metabolic diseases, especially obesity. Many studies have reported that obesity is closely related to visceral fatty acid metabolism, but the effect has not been well defined. In this study, we show that soy isoflavones improve visceral fatty acid metabolism in diet-induced obese male rats, which was indicated by reduced body weight and visceral fat cell area, as well as suppressed visceral fat synthesis and accelerated fat hydrolysis. We also found that common components of soy isoflavones, daidzein and genistein, were able to inhibit the lipid accumulation process in 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, we showed that soy isoflavones can promote on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity both in vivo and in vitro, which may be implicated in lipid metabolism regulation of soy isoflavones. Our study demonstrates the potential of soy isoflavones as a mechanism for regulating lipid homeostasis in visceral adipose tissue, proven to be beneficial for obesity treatment.

Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus Polyrhizus) Extract Decreases Lactic Acid Level and Creatine Kinase Activity in Rats Receiving Heavy Physical Exercise.

BACKGROUND:Heavy physical exercise causes relative hypoxia. In hypoxic condition, the cell’s energy comes from anaerobic metabolism that produces lactic acid. An increment of oxygen need leads to ischemia-reperfusion, triggers free radical formation and damages muscles. Creatine kinase (CK) is a marker of muscle tissue damage. Red dragon fruit (RDF) has potential as antioxidant to reduce free radical formation.AIM:This study aims to determine RDF extract potential to reduce the lactic acid level and CK activity after heavy physical exercise.METHODS:A total of 32 male rats (Rattus Norvegicus) were randomly divided into 4 groups: group NORDF, treated heavy physical exercise and distilled water; group RDF100, treated heavy physical exercise and at 100 mg/kg BW RDF extract; group RDF200, treated heavy physical exercise and at 200 mg/kg BW RDF extract and group RDF300, treated heavy physical exercise and at 300 mg/kg BW RDF extract. The rats swam for 20 minutes, 3 times a week for 3 weeks.RESULTS:RDF300 group showed lower lactic acid level and CK activity as compared to that of NORDF (p = 0.00) and RDF100 (p = 0.00) groups, but RDF300 are not significantly different for lactic acid (p = 0.45) and for CK (p = 0.68).CONCLUSION:Red dragon fruit extract has potential in lowering lactic acid level and CK activity in male rats receiving heavy physical exercise.

The Impact of Morphine on Reproductive Activity in Male Rats Is Regulated by Rf-Amid-Related Peptide-3 and Substance P Adjusting Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Expression.

Obviously, opiates (e.g., morphine) are associated with the suppression and dysfunction of reproductive axis. It has been reported that substance P (SP) and RF-amid-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) can exhibit anti-opioid effects in some regions of the nervous system. Moreover, SP and RFRP-3 are deemed as neuropeptides which exert modulatory and regulatory impacts on the function of the reproductive axis. The precise interactions of morphine with SP or RFRP-3 on the parameters of the reproductive activity, however, are not fully known. The present study was aimed to determine the impacts of the interaction of morphine either with SP or RFRP-3 on the hormonal and behavioral parameters of reproductive activity in male rats. In addition, it was aimed at determining whether the effects of these interactions rely on kisspeptin/G protein coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) pathway as the main upstream pulse generator and the mediator of the function of many inputs of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) system or not. Altogether, the resulted data from the sexual behavior tests, radioimmunoassay of LH/testosterone, and real-time quantitative PCR for the assessment of the expression of hypothalamic Kiss1, Gpr54, and Gnrh1 genes following concomitant administration of morphine with SP or RFRP-3 revealed that the suppressing effects of morphine on the parameters of reproductive axis activity can be affected by the administration of either RFRP-3 or SP. It is advocated that SP and RFRP-3, by the modulation of the expression of hypothalamic Kiss1, can possibly antagonize the effects of morphine on GnRH/LH system and sexual behavior.

Calcium supplementation shows a hepatoprotective effect against high-fat diet by regulating oxidative-induced inflammatory response and lipogenesis activity in male rats

Background and aimHigh-fat diet (HFD) triggers obesity-related metabolic diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Calcium supplementation is known to have an anti-obesity effect. However, the effect of calcium supplementation has not been evaluated so far in context to hepatic functions on exposure to HFD. The goal of the present study was to investigate the role of calcium supplementation on hepatic function and other physiological markers in HFD induced NAFLD rats. Experimental procedure18 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups; first group considered control group (n = 6) for the entire treatment period and the second group (n = 12) fed with HFD for 6 weeks to induce NAFLD model and then sub-divided into two groups (n = 6 rats); one group received HFD and other group received 1.0 gm CaCO3/100 gm HFD for 30 days. After treatment, all animals were euthanized to collect the blood and liver for biochemical, enzymatic, oxidative, anti-oxidant, western blot and histological study. Results and conclusionCalcium supplementation significantly improved the anthropometric parameters and decreases the level of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, FFA and hepatic enzymes. Calcium supplementation significantly down-regulated the hepatic PPAR-γ mediated FAS activity, hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and restored the activities of antioxidant enzyme which further prevented the stimulation of pro-inflammatory response. Calcium supplementation also increases the hepatic protein expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase. So, calcium supplementation showed a hepatoprotective effect during NAFLD by downregulating the oxidative induced inflammatory response stimulated by hepatic lipogenesis activity and subsequent lipid accumulation.

Effectiveness of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Fruit Extract on the Sexual Function in Rats

Background: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been mentioned to be of value in the management of male sexual disorders. This study investigated the effects of pomegranate fruit extract on healthy male rats as the animal model. Materials and methods: 50 adult male and female Albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 250-350 g and 200-250 g respectively were used in this study. The pomegranate extract was administered (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg) to different groups of male rats on a once-daily regime throughout the experiment period. The general mating behaviour, libido, potency and testosterone concentration were studied and compared with sildenafil citrate. Results: Administration of the pomegranate extract orally at the dose of 1500 mg/kg produced significant augment of sexual activity in male rats. The mounting frequency, intromission frequency, mounting latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency and post ejaculation interval did not vary significantly. However, the mounting frequency varied significantly between control, pomegranate crude extracts and sildenafil. In addition, the potency of the extracts did not vary significantly between control, pomegranate crude extracts and sildenafil. The testosterone levels varied significantly between pomegranate, sildenafil and control. Conclusion: Pomegranate extracts have the potential of increasing sexual behaviour in rats. There is need for mass production of pomegranate extracts for use in enhancing sexual behaviour

The Effects of Vitamin E from Elaeis guineensis (Oil Palm) in a Rat Model of Bone Loss Due to Metabolic Syndrome.

The beneficial effects of vitamin E in improving components of MetS or bone loss have been established. This study aimed to investigate the potential of palm vitamin E (PVE) as a single agent, targeting MetS and bone loss concurrently, using a MetS animal model. Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The baseline group was sacrificed upon arrival. The normal group was given standard rat chow. The remaining three groups were fed with high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet and treated with tocopherol-stripped corn oil (vehicle), 60 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg PVE. At the end of the study, the rats were evaluated for MetS parameters and bone density. After euthanasia, blood and femurs were harvested for the evaluation of lipid profile, bone histomorphometric analysis, and remodeling markers. PVE improved blood pressure, glycemic status, and lipid profile; increased osteoblast surface, osteoid surface, bone volume, and trabecular thickness, as well as decreased eroded surface and single-labeled surface. Administration of PVE also significantly reduced leptin level in the HCHF rats. PVE is a potential agent in concurrently preventing MetS and protecting bone loss. This may be, in part, achieved by reducing the leptin level and modulating the bone remodeling activity in male rats.

Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew on Sexual Behavior of Male Rats

Capparis decidua has traditionally been recommended as an aphrodisiac agent. Although, it's medicinal use has not been scientifically proved. The present study therefore evaluated the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of C. decidua roots, stem and leaf on sexual behavior in normal male rats. The hydroalcoholic extract of C. decidua was administered (100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg) to different groups of male wistar rats for 28 days. The female rats were brought in estrous phase before the mating in each group of male rats. Standard group was administered sildenafil citrate at 5mg/kg orally for 28 days. Control group was administered only distilled water. All the experimental groups i.e C. decidua 100mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, per se group (only C. decidua 200 mg/kg), standard group(sildenafil citrate 5mg/kg) were compared with the control group for parameters evaluated for sexual behavior study. C. decidua at 100mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and per se treated groups produced significant arousal of sexual activity in male rats. They significantly increased the frequencies of mount, intromission frequency. The mount latency and intromission latency were significantly reduced but ejaculation latency was prolonged significantly. The results indicated that hydroalcoholic extract of C. decidua enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats. The enhanced sexual behavior in male rats at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight may be due to the presence of phytochemicals like alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids as these phytochemicals has role in increasing sexual strength, androgen enhancing, and antioxidant activity.

Fear extinction learning ability predicts neuropathic pain behaviors and amygdala activity in male rats.

BackgroundThe amygdala plays a key role in fear learning and extinction and has emerged as an important node of emotional-affective aspects of pain and pain modulation. Impaired fear extinction learning, which involves prefrontal cortical control of amygdala processing, has been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we tested the hypothesis that fear extinction learning ability can predict the magnitude of neuropathic pain.ResultsWe correlated fear extinction learning in naive adult male rats with sensory and affective behavioral outcome measures (mechanical thresholds, vocalizations, and anxiety- and depression-like behaviors) before and after the induction of the spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain compared to sham controls. Auditory fear conditioning, extinction learning, and extinction retention tests were conducted after baseline testing. All rats showed increased freezing responses after fear conditioning. During extinction training, the majority (75%) of rats showed a decline in freezing level to 50% in 5 min (fear extinction+), whereas 25% of the rats maintained a high freezing level (>50%, fear extinction−). Fear extinction− rats showed decreased open-arm preference in the elevated plus maze, reflecting anxiety-like behavior, but there were no significant differences in sensory thresholds, vocalizations, or depression-like behavior (forced swim test) between fear extinction+ and fear extinction− types. In the neuropathic pain model (four weeks after spinal nerve ligation), fear extinction− rats showed a greater increase in vocalizations and anxiety-like behavior than fear extinction+ rats. Fear extinction− rats, but not fear extinction+ rats, also developed depression-like behavior. Extracellular single unit recordings of amygdala (central nucleus) neurons in behaviorally tested rats (anesthetized with isoflurane) found greater increases in background activity, bursting, and evoked activity in fear extinction− rats than fear extinction+ rats in the spinal nerve ligation model compared to sham controls.ConclusionThe data may suggest that fear extinction learning ability predicts the magnitude of neuropathic pain-related affective rather than sensory behaviors, which correlates with differences in amygdala activity changes.

Ginger Nanoparticles Modulate the Apoptotic Activity in Male Rats Exposed to Dioxin-Induced Cancer Initiation

Ginger Nanoparticles Modulate the Apoptotic Activity in Male Rats Exposed to Dioxin-Induced Cancer Initiation