Cervical Ganglion Research Articles

Spinal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Induced Intractable Miotic Pupil. A Reminder of Ciliospinal Sympathetic Center Ischemia Based Miosis: An Experimental Study.

To examine ischemic neurodegeneration of the ciliospinal center on permanent miosis following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Nineteen rabbits were examined in this study. The animals were divided into three groups, as control (GI, n=5), sham (GII, n=5) and study group (GIII, n=9). Pupil diameters were measured after giving 0.5 mL physiological saline for sham and autologous arterial blood for the study group into the cervico-thoracic subarachnoid space. After three weeks of follow up, the cervico-thoracic cord and bilateral superior cervical sympathetic ganglia were removed. The pupil diameter values were compared with degenerated neuron volumes of sympathetic ganglia and degenerated neuron densities of thoracic sympathetic nuclei which were studied by stereological methods. The mean pupil diameter was 5180 ± 370 µm and the mean degenerated neuron density of the ciliospinal center was 4 ± 1/mm3 in animals of the control group (GI). These values were 9850 ± 610 εm, 10 ± 3/mm3 in sham (GII), and 7.010 ± 440 εm and 98 ± 21/mm3 in the study (GIII) groups. There was an inverse relationship between degenerated neuron density of the ciliospinal nuclei and pupil diameters. We showed and reported for the first time that ciliospinal sympathetic center ischemia-induced neurodegeneration may have been responsible for permanent miosis following SAH.

Can nerve regeneration on an artificial nerve conduit be enhanced by ethanol-induced cervical sympathetic ganglion block?

This study aimed to determine whether nerve regeneration by means of an artificial nerve conduit is promoted by ethanol-induced cervical sympathetic ganglion block (CSGB) in a canine model. This study involved two experiments—in part I, the authors examined the effect of CSGB by ethanol injection on long-term blood flow to the orofacial region; part II involved evaluation of the effect of CSGB by ethanol injection on inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) repair using polyglycolic acid-collagen tubes. In part I, seven Beagles were administered left CSGB by injection of 99.5% ethanol under direct visualization by means of thoracotomy, and changes in oral mucosal blood flow in the mental region and nasal skin temperature were evaluated. The increase in blood flow on the left side lasted for 7 weeks, while the increase in average skin temperature lasted 10 weeks on the left side and 3 weeks on the right. In part II, fourteen Beagles were each implanted with a polyglycolic acid-collagen tube across a 10-mm gap in the left IAN. A week after surgery, seven of these dogs were administered CSGB by injection of ethanol. Electrophysiological findings at 3 months after surgery revealed significantly higher sensory nerve conduction velocity and recovery index (ratio of left and right IAN peak amplitudes) after nerve regeneration in the reconstruction+CSGB group than in the reconstruction-only group. Myelinated axons in the reconstruction+CSGB group were greater in diameter than those in the reconstruction-only group. Administration of CSGB with ethanol resulted in improved nerve regeneration in some IAN defects. However, CSGB has several physiological effects, one of which could possibly be the long-term increase in adjacent blood flow.

Serial magnetic resonance imaging evaluations of irradiated superior cervical sympathetic ganglia: Not every retropharyngeal enlarging mass is a sign of malignancy

IntroductionTo describe serial changes in irradiated superior cervical sympathetic ganglia (SCSGs) on MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) evaluation in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to find the features differentiating them from the metastatic retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study evaluated 52 consecutive patients with definitive radiotherapy with/without chemotherapy for pathologically confirmed HNSCC and pre- and postradiation MRI follow-up evaluations. MR images of SCSGs were analyzed including enhancement pattern, margin, and the presence of intraganglionic hypointensity. ResultsMRI evaluations were performed in 36 men and 16 women with HNSCC with an average age of 58 years, range 23–80 years before irradiation (n=52), and at 6 (n=21) and 13–18 (n=52)months follow-up. Mean total radiation dose was 6351±483 cGy (range, 5640–7000 cGy). Intraganglionic hypointensity, homogeneous enhancement pattern, and well-defined margins were observed in 96%, 97%, and 97% of ganglia on the last follow-up, which showed no difference between pretreatment and 6-month follow-up (P>0.05). Mixed linear model analysis revealed significant increases in diameter and normalized T2SI of SCSGs after irradiation (P< 0.05). ConclusionsDespite of the increase in diameter and normalized T2SI of SCSGs, preservation of intraganglionic hypointensity, well-defined margins and homogeneous enhancement might be helpful for radiologists to identify SCSGs during the follow-up of HNSCC patients.

Developmental Morphology and Topography of the Components of the Cervical Sympathetic Trunk in Sheep (Ovis aries) During the Fetal Period.

The objective of this study was to clarify the typical architecture and morphological variations of cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) in sheep during fetal period. Components of CST were examined on both sides of 40 male and female sheep fetuses aged from 60 to 140 days under a stereomicroscope. Skeletotopy and frequency of presence of cranial cervical ganglion (CCG), syntopy of cervical ganglia, and composition and topography of vagosympathetic trunk were consistent among specimens whereas the shape of cervical ganglia, the skeletotopy and number of three middle cervical ganglia (MG), and the frequency of communicating branches of CCG to the first cervical spinal nerve exhibited differences during fetal period. A reduction in the number of MG and the caudal movement of main MG were noted by increasing fetal age. Based on these detailed findings, comparative and developmental anatomy and evolutionary changes are discussed and compared with previous studies. The number of MG, skeletotopy of CCG and main MG, the number and range of communicating branches of CCG to spinal nerves, and the association of vagus and sympathetic nerves in fetal sheep were fundamentally different from those of mostly reported species. These results suggest that data obtained from CST of fetal sheep are significantly different from those obtained from humans, and it is problematic to apply them to humans because of the more cranial position of CCG, very narrow contribution of CCG to spinal nerve, absence of the vertebral ganglion, existence of multiple MG, and no communicating branches from MG to spinal nerves. Anat Rec, 300:2250-2262, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Patterns of uptake of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted 18F-DCFPyL in peripheral ganglia

ObjectiveRadiotracers targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) have increasingly been recognized as showing uptake in a number of normal structures, anatomic variants, and non-prostate-cancer pathologies. We aimed to explore the frequency and degree of uptake in peripheral ganglia in patients undergoing PET with the PSMA-targeted agent 18F-DCFPyL.MethodsA total of 98 patients who underwent 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT imaging were retrospectively analyzed. This included 76 men with prostate cancer (PCa) and 22 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC; 13 men, 9 women). Scans were evaluated for uptake in the cervical, stellate, celiac, lumbar and sacral ganglia. Maximum standardized uptake value corrected to body weight (SUVmax), and maximum standardized uptake value corrected to lean body mass (SULmax) were recorded for all ganglia with visible uptake above background. Ganglia-to-background ratios were calculated by dividing the SUVmax and SULmax values by the mean uptake in the ascending aorta (Aortamean) and the right gluteus muscle (Gluteusmean).ResultsOverall, 95 of 98 (96.9%) patients demonstrated uptake in at least one of the evaluated peripheral ganglia. With regard to the PCa cohort, the most frequent sites of radiotracer accumulation were lumbar ganglia (55/76, 72.4%), followed by the cervical ganglia (51/76, 67.1%). Bilateral uptake was found in the majority of cases [lumbar 44/55 (80%) and cervical 30/51 (58.8%)]. Additionally, discernible radiotracer uptake was recorded in 50/76 (65.8%) of the analyzed stellate ganglia and in 45/76 (59.2%) of the celiac ganglia, whereas only 5/76 (6.6%) of the sacral ganglia demonstrated 18F-DCFPyL accumulation. Similar findings were observed for patients with RCC, with the most frequent locations of radiotracer uptake in both the lumbar (20/22, 90.9%) and cervical ganglia (19/22, 86.4%). No laterality preference was found in mean PSMA-ligand uptake for either the PCa or RCC cohorts.ConclusionAs PSMA-targeted agents become more widely disseminated, the patterns of uptake in structures that are not directly relevant to patients’ cancers must be understood. This is the first systematic evaluation of the uptake of 18F-DCFPyL in ganglia demonstrating a general trend with a descending frequency of radiotracer accumulation in lumbar, cervical, stellate, celiac, and sacral ganglia. The underlying biology that leads to variability of PSMA-targeted radiotracers in peripheral ganglia is not currently understood, but may provide opportunities for future research.

Modulation of Calcitonin, Parathyroid Hormone, and Thyroid Hormone Secretion by Electrical Stimulation of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nerves in Anesthetized Rats.

The thyroid and parathyroid glands are dually innervated by sympathetic (cervical sympathetic trunk [CST]) and parasympathetic (superior laryngeal nerve [SLN]) nerve fibers. We examined the effects of electrical stimulation of efferent or afferent nerve fibers innervating the thyroid and parathyroid glands on the secretion of immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT), parathyroid hormone (iPTH), 3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (iT3), and thyroxine (iT4) from the thyroid and parathyroid glands. In anesthetized and artificially ventilated rats, thyroid venous blood was collected. The rate of hormone secretion from the glands was calculated from plasma hormone levels, measured by ELISA, and the flow rate of thyroid venous plasma. SLNs or CSTs were stimulated bilaterally with rectangular pulses with a 0.5-ms width. To define the role of unmyelinated nerve fibers (typically efferent), the cut peripheral segments were stimulated at various frequencies (up to 40 Hz) with a supramaximal intensity to excite all nerve fibers. The secretion of iCT, iT3, and iT4 increased during SLN stimulation and decreased during CST stimulation. iPTH secretion increased during CST stimulation, but was not affected by SLN stimulation. To examine the effects of selective stimulation of myelinated nerve fibers (typically afferent) in the SLN, intact SLNs were stimulated with a subthreshold intensity for unmyelinated nerve fibers. iCT, iT3, and iT4 secretion increased during stimulation of intact SLNs at 40 Hz. These results suggest that excitation of myelinated afferents induced by low intensity and high frequency stimulation of intact SLNs promotes secretion of CT and thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland, potentially via reflex activation of parasympathetic efferent nerve fibers in the SLN.

Effect of cervical sympathetic ganglionectomy on facial nerve reconstruction using polyglycolic acid-collagen tubes

A polyglycolic acid-collagen (PGA-c) tube was used as an artificial nerve guide during facial nerve reconstruction performed in a canine model of stellate ganglion block (SGB). The model was generated using a cervical sympathetic ganglionectomy. We evaluated the effects of blood flow on nerve regeneration.First, we resected the left cervical sympathetic ganglion in beagles (n=6). We assessed buccal mucosal blood flow and nasal skin temperatures once per week for 12weeks and Horner’s sign 2, 4, and 6months after resection. We compared these values to those measured prior to resection. Blood flow was increased for 6–11weeks, but sympathetic control remained blocked after 6months.Second, we divided beagles into 3 groups: resection models (negative control), from which 7mm of the left facial nerve buccal branch was resected (n=5); reconstruction models, which underwent nerve reconstruction using PGA-c tubes (n=6); and SGB+reconstruction models, which underwent a left cervical sympathetic ganglionectomy immediately after reconstruction (n=6). The right side of the face served as control (n=17). Nerve regeneration was significantly greater in the SGB+reconstruction model dogs than in the reconstruction model dogs, as measured by both electrophysiological and morphological analyses at postoperative week 12. In particular, motor nerve conduction velocity was increased approximately 2-fold (p=0.018). We were able to generate an SGB model with long-term increased blood flow facilitated by the promotion of facial nerve regeneration by PGA-c tubes.

PECULIARITIES OF GANGLIONIC CONDUCTION OF EXCITATION AFTER DEPANCREATIZATION

Aim. To study the vegetative ganglion function after partial ablation of the pancreas. Materials and methods. Electrical activity of the postganglionic trunk fibers of the upper cervical sympathetic ganglion, with preganglionars stimulated by the rectangular impulse of supramaximal strength of 0,5 msec duration, was studied on 42 animals in the control and after depancreatization. Acetylcholine (AC) content in the ganglion before and after partial depancreatization, excitation conduction velocity by preganglionic fibers, amplitude and duration of postganglionic fibers action potential (AP), lability with stimulation of 10-40 Hz, posttetanic potentiation (PTP) was investigated. To assess the reliability of differences, Student’s t test was used. Critical significance level when controlling statistical hypotheses was accepted as equal to 0,05. Results. Ganglionic acetylcholine content on the day 9 after pancreatectomy decreased by three times. It was accompanied by the reduction of velocity of excitation spreading along the preganglionic fibers of the upper cervical sympathetic ganglion. Simultaneously, growth of latent period duration and postganglionic trunk action potential was registered. Development of pessimum with stimulation frequency of 20-40 Hz is significantly quickened, but posttetanic potentiation, typical for ganglion, completely disappears and is changed by the posttetanic depression. It proves fall in lability and functional properties of vegetative ganglion in the operated animals. Conclusions. Introduction of acetylcholine and lipocaic fully or partially compensated the occurring impairment of ganglionic conduction of excitation.

Study on variations of Foramen Transversarium in 7th cervical vertebrae in the region of Andhra Pradesh – A clinical approach

Introduction: The anatomical knowledge of the variations in the Foramen transversarium of 7th cervical vertebrae can be of immense importance to the neurologists, radiologist, orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapist, for making the right diagnosis and can serve as a helpful guide while performing various surgeries of neck region and for proper interpretation of X-rays and CT scans. Aim: The present study has been undertaken to know the incidence of foramen transversarium in 7th dried cervical vertebrae and the contents passing through it and its clinical significance. Material and Method: A total number of 106 dried 7thcervical vertebrae were studied. Result and Discussion: In 36 seventh cervical vertebrae, variations in the Foramen transversarium were observed. Keywords: Cervical vertebrae, Foramen transversarium, accessory, Bony specule, Cervical ganglion

A study of the efficacy of stellate ganglion blocks in complex regional pain syndromes of the upper body.

Background and Aims:The effect of stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs) was examined in complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) of the upper body.Material and Methods:A total of 287 SGB were given to patients with documented CRPS on medications. Spontaneous and provoked pain assessment was done with numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and range of motion (ROM) was recorded before and after each blockade. Difference between a 15-point “global rating of change” scale determined the minimal clinically important difference of the DASH score.Results:The overall mean pain reduction was 73.2% (r = 0.83, P < 0.001) considering spontaneous and 55.8% (r = 0.77, P < 0.001) on provoked pain. Mean DASH score decreased from 53 (range 36–63; P = 0.14) to 10.4 (range 10–49.2; P = 0.005). The sensitivity to change was 6.9 for spontaneous and 4.9 for provoked pain. Increase in ipsilateral limb temperature has a good correlation with Horner's syndrome (HS) and sympathetic blockade. Minor, self-limiting complications, such as hoarseness, dysphagia, local hematoma, and ipsilateral brachial plexus block occurred in 11.5%. A rare complication of contralateral HS was documented. One patient developed a small pneumothorax, but it did not require intervention.Conclusions:SGB are relatively safe and effective management in patients with neuropathic conditions already on pharmacotherapy. Serial blocks attained an average reduction in pain by >3 NPRS points from the baseline for both spontaneous and provoked pain with a decrease in mean DASH score and improvement in ROM.

Co-expression changes of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the cervical sympathetic ganglia in diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathic rats.

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is often a devastating complication. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important effects on both normal development and disease pathogenesis. In this study, we explored the expression profiles of some lncRNAs involved in inflammation which may be co-expressed with messenger RNA (mRNA) in superior cervical and stellate ganglia after type 2 diabetic injuries. Total RNA isolated from 10 pairs of superior cervical and stellate ganglia in diabetic and normal male rats was hybridized to lncRNA arrays for detections. Pathway analysis indicated that the most significant gene ontology (GO) processes that were upregulated in diabetes were associated with immune response, cell migration, defense response, taxis, and chemotaxis. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway revealed that most of the target genes of the lncRNAs were located in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, the chemokine signaling pathway and cell adhesion molecules, which were involved in T2D. Gene co-expression network construction showed that the co-expression network in the experimental rats consisted of 268 regulation edges among 105 lncRNAs and 11 mRNAs. Our studies demonstrated the co-expression profile of lncRNAs and mRNAs in diabetic cardiac autonomic ganglia, suggesting possible roles for multiple lncRNAs as potential targets for the development of therapeutic strategies or biomarkers for diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Interactions between \u03b2-adrenergic vasodilation and cervical sympathetic nerves are mediated by \u03b12-adrenoceptors in the rat masseter muscle

Neural and humoral autonomic mechanisms may be important in the maintenance of blood flow in the masseter muscle (MBF). However, their interactions remain unclear. In this study, we examined interactions between neural and humoral regulation of MBF and investigated the mechanisms mediating these interactions in urethane-anesthetized rats. Stimulation of the adrenal nerve (AN) projecting to the adrenal medulla increased MBF, and this increase was mediated by β-adrenoceptors. Sectioning of the superior cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) significantly inhibited increases in MBF induced by AN stimulation during high activity in the CST, but not during low activity. AN stimulation with clonidine after CST sectioning induced a significant increased in MBF, however phenylephrine had no observable effect. Pretreatment with yohimbine or propranolol significantly inhibited the increase in the MBF. Our results suggest an interaction between β-adrenergic vasodilation evoked by circulating adrenaline and the cervical sympathetic nerves that is mediated by α2-adrenoceptors in the masseter muscle.

Norepinephrine inhibits mesenchymal stem cell chemotaxis migration by increasing stromal cell-derived factor-1 secretion by vascular endothelial cells via NE/abrd3/JNK pathway

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are physiologically maintained in vascular endothelial cell (VEC)-based niches, play a critical role in tissue regeneration. Our previous studies demonstrated that sympathetic denervation could promote MSC mobilization, thereby enhancing bone formation in distraction osteogenesis (DO), a self-tissue engineering for craniofacial and orthopeadic surgeries. However, the mechanisms on how sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) regulates MSC migration are not well understood. Here we showed that deprivation of NE by transection of cervical sympathetic trunk (TCST) inhibited stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) expression in the perivascular regions in rat mandibular DO. In vitro studies showed that NE treatment markedly upregulated p-JNK and therefore stimulated higher SDF-1 expression in VECs than control groups, and siRNA knockdown of the abrd3 gene abolished the NE-induced p-JNK activation. On the other hand, osteoblasts differentiated from MSCs showed an increase in SDF-1 secretion with lack of NE. Importantly, NE-treated VECs inhibited the MSC chemotaxis migration along the SDF-1 concentration gradient as demonstrated in a novel 3-chamber Transwell assay. Collectively, our study suggested that NE may increase the SDF-1 secretion by VECs via NE/abrd3/JNK pathway, thereby inhibiting the MSC chemotaxis migration from perivascular regions toward bone trabecular frontlines along the SDF-1 concentration gradient in bone regeneration.

Resolution of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome After CT-Guided, Percutaneous T2 Ethanol Ablation for Hyperhidrosis

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is characterized by orthostatic intolerance. Orthostasis (or other mild physical stress) triggers a cascade of inappropriate tachycardia, lightheadedness, palpitations, and often fainting. The underlying defect is sympathetic dysregulation of the heart, which receives its sympathetic tone from the cervical and upper thoracic sympathetic ganglia. Primary hyperhidrosis is also thought to be the result of sympathetic dysregulation. We present the case of a patient treated with CT-guided, percutaneous T2 EtOH sympatholysis for craniofacial hyperhidrosis. The patient also suffered from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome for many years and was unresponsive to treatment. Immediately after sympatholysis, the patient experienced resolution of both craniofacial hyperhidrosis and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

Correction of arterial hypertension in the young patients with obesity

The study included 90 patients with obesity I-III and arterial hypertension (AH) I of 16-30 years. Evaluated lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, the condition of the autonomic nervous system, circadian blood pressure, pulse wave velocity in the aorta (PWV), and the effectiveness of the running magnetic field with the help of apparatus «MAGNETIC SIMPATOKOR» in order to reduce blood pressure (BP). The patients were divided into 2 groups: basic - 50 people who underwent magnetic simpatokorrektsiya and control - 40 people received placebo physiotherapy. According to a survey in the group allocated to two subgroups - 1A and 1B. Subgroup 1A amounted to 26 patients with hypersympathicotonia who at repeated definition SPV after simpatokorrektsii noted its significant reduction. In the subgroup 1B included 24 patients with a normal tone and parasimpatikotoniey who SPV has not changed much. After 6 months in patients subgroups 1A BP was on normal numbers, DBS remained at baseline values. In the subgroup 1B patients remained elevated blood pressure. The risk of developing hypertension in a subgroup 1A was 22% in the subgroup 1B - 80% or more. Sympathy correction using magnetic field exposure on the cervical sympathetic ganglion is an effective treatment and prevention of hypertension associated with increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

Anatomic study of the musculus longus capitis flap.

To clearly delineate the anatomy of the musculus longus capitis, determine its clinical applications for reconstruction surgery, and provide a safer surgical method of developing the longus capitis muscle flap. Anatomical investigations were performed in seven adult cadavers (five cadavers for gross anatomy and two for transparent specimen preparation) with respect to the location, morphology, arterial supply, and innervation of the musculus longus capitis, as well as its spatial relationship with the cervical sympathetic trunk, superior cervical ganglion, carotid sheath, and other surrounding structures. The musculus longus capitis is located anterior to the C1-6 vertebrae, segmentally supplied by branches of the ascending cervical artery, innervated by the C1-5 nerve, and spatially close to the cervical sympathetic trunk, superior cervical ganglion, and carotid sheath. These anatomic findings indicate that the development of a cranial or caudal pedicled longus capitis muscle flap is feasible. The musculus longus capitis can be developed into a cranial or caudal pedicled flap for repair of head and neck defects with negligible morbidity of the donor site.

Increased Cx32 expression in spinal cord TrkB oligodendrocytes following peripheral axon injury

Following injury to motor axons in the periphery, retrograde influences from the injury site lead to glial cell plasticity in the vicinity of the injured neurons. Following the transection of peripherally located preganglionic axons of the cervical sympathetic trunk (CST), a population of oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage cells expressing full length TrkB, the cognate receptor for brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is significantly increased in number in the spinal cord. Such robust plasticity in OL lineage cells in the spinal cord following peripheral axon transection led to the hypothesis that the gap junction communication protein connexin 32 (Cx32), which is specific to OL lineage cells, was influenced by the injury. Following CST transection, Cx32 expression in the spinal cord intermediolateral cell column (IML), the location of the parent cell bodies, was significantly increased. The increased Cx32 expression was localized specifically to TrkB OLs in the IML, rather than other cell types in the OL cell lineage, with the population of Cx32/TrkB cells increased by 59%. Cx32 expression in association with OPCs was significantly decreased at one week following the injury. The results of this study provide evidence that peripheral axon injury can differentially affect the gap junction protein expression in OL lineage cells in the adult rat spinal cord. We conclude that the retrograde influences originating from the peripheral injury site elicit dramatic changes in the CNS expression of Cx32, which in turn may mediate the plasticity of OL lineage cells observed in the spinal cord following peripheral axon injury.

Long noncoding NONRATT021972 siRNA normalized abnormal sympathetic activity mediated by the upregulation of P2X7 receptor in superior cervical ganglia after myocardial ischemia.

Previous studies showed that the upregulation of the P2X7 receptor in cervical sympathetic ganglia was involved in myocardial ischemic (MI) injury. The dysregulated expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participates in the onset and progression of many pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) against the NONRATT021972 lncRNA on the abnormal changes of cardiac function mediated by the up-regulation of the P2X7 receptor in the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) after myocardial ischemia. When the MI rats were treated with NONRATT021972 siRNA, their increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), low-frequency (LF) power, and LF/HF ratio were reduced to normal levels. However, the decreased high-frequency (HF) power was increased. GAP43 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) are markers of nerve sprouting and sympathetic nerve fibers, respectively. We found that the TH/GAP43 value was significantly increased in the MI group. However, it was reduced after the MI rats were treated with NONRATT021972 siRNA. The serum norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) concentrations were decreased in the MI rats that were treated with NONRATT021972 siRNA. Meanwhile, the increased P2X7 mRNA and protein levels and the increased p-ERK1/2 expression in the SCG were also reduced. NONRATT021972 siRNA treatment inhibited the P2X7 agonist BzATP-activated currents in HEK293 cells transfected with pEGFP-P2X7. Our findings suggest that NONRATT021972 siRNA could decrease the upregulation of the P2X7 receptor and improve the abnormal changes in cardiac function after myocardial ischemia.

Effect of stellate ganglion block on cellular immune function in diabetic rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on cellular immune function in diabetic rats. Methods Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 3 months, weighing 240-280 g, were used in this study.Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal 1% streptozotocin 60 mg/kg and confirmed by blood glucose ≥16.7 mmol/L 3 days later.Forty-eight rats with diabetes mellitus were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=24 each) using a random number table: diabetes mellitus group (group DM) and group SGB.Another 24 healthy rats, aged 3 months, were selected and served as control group (group C). At 1 week after successful establishment of the model, unilateral transection of cervical sympathetic trunk (TCST) was performed in group SGB, while the right cervical sympathetic trunk was only exposed in C and DM groups.Before TCST (T0) and on 1, 3, 7 days after TCST (T1-3), 6 rats were randomly selected from each group, and blood samples were collected from the inferior vena cava for determination of the blood glucose, plasma norepinephrine (NE) concentrations (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and levels of T lymphocyte subsets CD3+ , CD4+ and CD8+ in whole blood (using FACSCalibur flow cytometer). CD4+ /CD8+ ratio was calculated.The rats were weighed before sacrifice, and the rats were sacrificed to obtain the thymus which was weighed.The thymus index (thymus weight/body weight) was calculated. Results Compared with group C, the blood glucose was significantly increased, and the levels of CD3+ and CD4+ in whole blood, CD4+ /CD8+ ratio, and thymus index were significantly decreased at T0-3 (P 0.05), the plasma NE concentrations were significantly decreased at T1-3 in group SGB (P 0.05). Compared with group DM, the blood glucose and plasma NE concentrations were significantly decreased, and the levels of CD3+ and CD4+ in whole blood, CD4+ /CD8+ ratio, and thymus index were significantly increased at T1-3 (P 0.05). Conclusion SGB can improve the cellular immune function in diabetic rats. Key words: Stellate ganglia; Nerve block; Diabetes mellitus; Immunity, cellular

Segregation of Acetylcholine and GABA in the Rat Superior Cervical Ganglia: Functional Correlation.

Sympathetic neurons have the capability to segregate their neurotransmitters (NTs) and co-transmitters to separate varicosities of single axons; furthermore, in culture, these neurons can even segregate classical transmitters. In vivo sympathetic neurons employ acetylcholine (ACh) and other classical NTs such as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Herein, we explore whether these neurons in vivo segregate these classical NTs in the superior cervical ganglia of the rat. We determined the topographical distribution of GABAergic varicosities, somatic GABAA receptor, as well as the regional distribution of the segregation of ACh and GABA. We evaluated possible regional differences in efficacy of ganglionic synaptic transmission, in the sensitivity of GABAA receptor to GABA and to the competitive antagonist picrotoxin (PTX). We found that sympathetic preganglionic neurons in vivo do segregate ACh and GABA. GABAergic varicosities and GABAA receptor expression showed a rostro-caudal gradient along ganglia; in contrast, segregation exhibited a caudo-rostral gradient. These uneven regional distributions in expression of GABA, GABAA receptors, and level of segregation correlate with stronger synaptic transmission found in the caudal region. Accordingly, GABAA receptors of rostral region showed larger sensitivity to GABA and PTX. These results suggest the presence of different types of GABAA receptors in each region that result in a different regional levels of endogenous GABA inhibition. Finally, we discuss a possible correlation of these different levels of GABA modulation and the function of the target organs innervated by rostral and caudal ganglionic neurons.