Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
The effect of intrahippocampal injection of diarylpropionitrile, a selective estrogen receptor-beta agonist, on passive avoidance learning
254
260
EN
Zeinab
Sharifkhodaei
Islamic Azad University
zsh_otau@yahoo.com
N
Nasser
Naghdi
Pasteur Institute of Iran
nnaghdiir@yahoo.ir
Y
Shahrbanoo
Oryan
Tarbiat Moalem University
sh_oryan@tmu.ac.ir
N
Parichehr
Yaghmaei
Tarbiat Moalem University
N
Introduction: Neurohormones like testosterone and estradiol have an important role in learning and memory. The hippocampus is essentially involved in learning and memory, and is known to be a target for estradiol actions. Estrogen receptors (ERs) are highly expressed in CA1 of rat hippocampus, and mediate the effects of estrogen on learning and memory. Estradiol receptor belong to a family of transcription factors, the nuclear receptor superfamily, and has two subtypes ER and ER. The current research has been conducted to assess the effect of ER selective agonist, diarylpropionitrile (DPN), on passive avoidance of adult male rats, by using passive avoidance task.Methods: Male adult rats were bilaterally cannulated into the CA1 area of hippocampus, and then received vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) or DPN (0.2, 0.5, 1 micro-g/0.5 micro-l/side), 30 min before training on passive avoidance task.Results: The results showed that pre-training intra-CA1 injections of DPN (0.5, 1 micro-g/0.5 micro-l/side), significantly decreased step-through latencies and increased time spent in dark on passive avoidance learning (P<0.01).Conclusion: Our data suggest that intra-CA1 administration of DPN could impair learning and memory acquisition on passive avoidance task.
Estradiol; Estradiol receptor
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-493-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-493-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
The effect of maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy on carbohydrate metabolism in adulthood in rats
261
267
EN
Saleh
Zahedi Asl
Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University (M.C) Tehran,Iran
Zahedi@endocrine.ac.ir
Y
Hamid
Farahani
Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University (M.C) Tehran,Iran
Hamid_farahani2001@yahoo.com
N
Asghar
Ghasemi
Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University (M.C) Tehran,Iran
Ghaseni@endocrine.ac.ir
N
Farzaneh
Faraji Shahrivar
Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University (M.C) Tehran,Iran
Farzaneh1970@yahoo.com
N
Introduction: Many of the diseases of adulthood are originated from the intrauterine conditions during fetal life.
Because of the importance of thyroid hormones in growth and development of the fetus, the effects of maternal
hypothyroidism on carbohydrate metabolism in adulthood was investigated.
Methods: Pregnant rats were divided into the fetal hypothyroidism (FH) and the control (C) groups. During the
gestational period, propylthiouracil (PTU) dissolved in drinking water (100 ppm) was administered to the FH group,
while the C group drank tap water. After delivery and maturation of male neonates, intravenous glucose tolerance test
(IVGTT) was performed. For IVGTT tests, catheters were inserted into the femoral vein and artery after anesthesia.
The first arterial sample was taken before injections, then the glucose solution was injected and other samples were
obtained after 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 minutes. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured using the
glucose oxidase and an ELISA method, respectively.
Results: Plasma glucose concentration 5 min after glucose injection in the FH group (239.2 ± 15.6 mg/dL) was
significantly higher than the C group (190.1 ± 4.5 mg/dL, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma
insulin concentrations of the 2 groups. Daily water consumption during the gestation in PTU administered mothers was
significantly lower compared to the C group (P<0.05). The body weight of animals was significantly (P<0.05) lower in
the FH group compared with the C group.
Conclusion: Maternal hypothyroidism can alter carbohydrate metabolism during adulthood, which may contribute
to the development of diabetes.
Maternal hypothyroidism; Carbohydrate metabolism; Intravenous Glucose tolerance test; Adulthood; Insulin; Rat.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-454-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-454-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
The role of muscarnic cholinergic receptor of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis on cardiovascular response and baroreflex modulation in rat.
268
276
EN
Ali
Nasimi
Isfahan universof medical sience
nasimi@med.mui.ac.ir
N
Ali Mohammad
Moradi
Hormozgan universof medical sience
N
Mardomak
Ravari
Hormozgan universof medical sience
N
Fatemeh
Kharazmi
Hormozgan universof medical sience
f_kh59@yahoo.com
N
Masoumeh
Hatam
Hormozgan universof medical sience
hatam_m@yahoo.com
Y
Introduction: The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) is a limbic structure which is involved in cardiovascular
regulation and baroreflex modulation. The presence of cholinergic synaptic terminalis with high level of muscarinic
receptors in the BST has been demonstrated. This study was performed to find the role of the cholinergic muscarinic
receptor in cardiovascular response and baroreflex activity in urethane anesthetized rat.
Methods: Acetylcholine (Ach, 3, 6 nmol in 50 nl) was microinjected unilaterally into the BST of 53 urethane
anesthetized male rats. Femoral artery and vein were cannulated to record the blood pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR),
respectively. The maximum average changes in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and (HR), were compared with
control group and before injection using t-test and paired t-test, respectively. To evaluate baroreflex activity,
bradycardia values corresponding to progressive 20 mmHg increases in MAP were determined. The slope of the linear
regression curves was calculated and compared to before injection using ANOVA repeated measure.
Results: Microinjection of Ach into the dorsal, lateral and ventral portion of the BST resulted in an increase of AP
(20.69 ± 1.8 mmHg, p0.05) indicating that
neuronal circuitry of BST is an essential part of the baroreflex..
Conclusion: The present study indicated that the BST muscarinic receptors are involved in the cardiovascular
regulation but are not involved in the modulation of baroreflex activity, although synapses within the BST have
influence on the bradycardia baroreflex component.
bed nucleus of stria terminalis, baroreflex, blood pressure, heart rate, acetylcholine, atropine, and cobalt chloride.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-477-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-477-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
New model of computer analysis for assessment of the effects of lesions induced by direct voltage current in isolated AV-node of rabbit
277
286
EN
vahid
khori
Iranian
vaph99@yahoo.com
Y
Mohsen
Nayebpour
N
Jafar
Golalipour
N
SMP
Firouzabadi
N
Introduction: The ablation technique is one of the important therapeutic interventions for treatment of AV Nodal
tachyarrhythmia. Different animal models have been developed to study the effects of ablation on the functional
interanodal structure. The aim of the present study was to develop a new model of computer analysis to produce lesions
by using direct voltage in isolated perfused rabbit AV-Node.
Methods: The model of Superfused-perfused isolated AV-Node of rabbit was used in our study. Posterior nodal
extension (slow pathway) and anterior nodal approaches (fast pathway) were ablated by using direct voltage (100-110
V) in 30 sec. All stimulation protocols and computer analysis were performed by the custom made software that has
been developed in the Electrophysiology laboratory of Golestan Cardiovascular Research Center. All protocols were
applied to 2 groups (5 rabbits in each group).
Results: His deflection was detected by software (AV-Node pack) and nodal recovery curved was constructed on
line. By using specific electrophysiological criteria, we could precisely predict the place of nodal ablation. Slow
pathway ablation caused significant ERP and AHmax prolongation and fast pathway ablation caused significant AHmin
prolongation. Histology examination confirmed the ablation results.
Conclusion: Computer analysis of nodal ablation is a new method to induce specific lesions in AV-nodal pathways.
Changing dynamic electrophysiological behavior of AV-node after ablation is an important index for predication of
outcome of ablations.
Computer analysis; Ablation; AV-node; Double perfused model; Rabbit.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-452-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-452-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
The effect of Crocin on scopolamine induced spatial learning and memory deficits in rats
287
295
EN
Mohammad Rasoul
Ghadami
mr_ghadami@yahoo.com
N
Ali
Pourmotabbed
Dept. of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
apourmotabbed@yahoo.com
Y
Introduction: The cholinergic system plays an important role in learning and memory. Administration of either
extracts of Crocus Sativus (Saffron) or its constituent, crocin, reduced ethanol-induced memory impairment. Based on
the above findings, we investigated the effect of crocin in antagonizing spatial learning and memory impairment
induced by scopolamine, a cholinergic receptor antagonist, in rats by using Morris water maze (MWM).
Methods: Male rats received crocin (1, 5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min after injection of scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.)
or saline for 6 consecutive days. Control animals received only scopolamine or saline. Spatial learning and memory
parameters in the same days were tested using MWM. For this purpose, escape latency and swim distance to hidden
platform were tested for four consecutive days. In probe trials, percentages of time that animals spent in target quadrant
were recorded. 24 h later, visible version of MWM was performed in which escape latency to visible platform and swim
speed were tested.
Results: The results indicated that administration of scopolamine impaired the formation of spatial learning and
memory processes. Application of crocin in a dose-dependent manner ameliorated the effects of scopolamine. In the
visible version of MWM, there was not any significant difference in spatial performance among animals in studied
groups.
It could be concluded that the crocin can inhibit scopolamine-induced impairments of spatial learning and memory in rats.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-462-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-462-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
CYP2A6 genetic polymorphism and its relation to risk of smoking dependence in male Iranians
296
306
EN
Masoumeh
Emamghoreishi
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
emamm@sums.ac.ir
Y
Hamid-Reza
Bokaee
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
hrbokaee@hotmail.com
N
Mojtaba
Keshavarz
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
moj.ph60@yahoo.com
N
Introduction: Nicotine is the psychoactive substance responsible for establishing and maintaining smoking dependence. CYP2A6 is the primary enzyme that inactivates nicotine to cotinine .Genetic variation in CYP2A6 accounts for some of the inter-individual variability in nicotine metabolism and has been indicated to influence smoking behavior and dependence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether there is a relationship between CYP2A6 genetic polymorphism and smoking dependence in an Iranian population.
Methods: We assessed 118 male non-smokers (1-99 cigarette/ lifetime) and 133 dependent current smokers for demographic, cigarette use history and DSM-IV dependence. CYP2A6 alleles associated with decreased nicotine metabolism (* 2, *4, or *9 allele) were determined using allele-specific nested PCR. Genotypes were grouped into slow metabolizers (one or two copies of *2 or *4, or two *9 alleles), intermediate (one *9 allele), and normal (have no copies of *2 , *4 , or *9 alleles).
Results: Intermediate nicotine metabolizers were at higher risk for becoming a dependent smoker odd ratio (OR = 3.71 p=0.009). Slow metabolizers had a significantly lower age of first smoking compared to normal and intermediate metabolizers (p = 0.037). Cigarette consumption and the degree of smoking dependence were not significantly different among smokers with different CYP2A6 genotypes.
Conclusion: In Iranian population, the risk for becoming a dependent smokers increases with genotypes for intermediate metabolism of nicotine and slow nicotine metabolizers experience smoking in lower ages. These findings increase our understanding of the effect of CYP2A6 genotypes on smoking dependence in Iranian population and may help us to develop new strategies for quitting smoking.
CYP2A6, Polymorphism, smoking, Iranians
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-446-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-446-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
Effect of ultra low dose morphine on seizure induced by pentylentetrazol
307
313
EN
Azam
Shafaie
Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi Univ. of Mashhad
azam_shafaie@yahoo.com
N
Masoud
Fereidoni
Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi Univ. of Mashhad
fereidoni@yahoo.com
Y
Ali
moghimi
Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi Univ. of Mashhad
N
Morteza
Behnamrasooli
Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi Univ. of Mashhad
N
Introduction: In the Kindling-induced seizure model, low and repeated electrical or chemical stimulations, can
elevate the neural network excitability and induce epileptiform seizures. Opioid receptors are widely distributed in
different areas of the brain. On the other hand, morphine has paradoxical effects and induces elevation or alleviation of
the pain sensation and excitability, at different doses. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of ultra low
dose morphine on seizures induced by pentylentetrazol (PTZ).
Methods: PTZ (32 mg/kg i.p.) was administered for 12 constitutive days to kindle the male Wistar rats (200-250 g).
Animals were treated by saline or morphine (0.1 μg/kg, 1 μ g/kg, 10 μ g/kg and 10 mg/kg), 30 min before PTZ
administration (n = 7-9) and seizure severity was recorded during 30 min after PTZ administrations.
Results: Morphine at the dose of 10 mg/kg was able to elevate the seizure intensity and accelerate the kindling
process (p<0.001), but at the dose of 10 μg/kg, attenuated the seizure intensity and kindling development (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The reason for this paradoxical effect of morphine on PTZ-induced seizure could be that morphine, at
ultra low doses, can elicit the stimulatory signaling pathway of Gs protein, rather than the inhibitory Gi pathway.
It seems that ultra low does of morphine by inducing the activity of Gs signaling can lead to the attenuation of PTZinduced
seizures, while activation of Gi signaling using ordinary doses of morphine can cause potentiation of PTZinduced
seizures.
Ultra low doses of morphine, Seizure, Kindling, PTZ.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-474-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-474-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
Oral administration of morphine delays neural plate development in rat embryos
314
319
EN
Shiva
Nasiraei-Moghadam
Neuroscience Research Center, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
N
Hossein
Bahadoran
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, and Behavioral Sciences Research center, Baqiyatallah (a.s.) University of Medical Sciences
N
Saghar
SaeidAbadi
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, and Applied Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah (a.s.) University of Medical Sciences
N
Jamal
Shams
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
N
Hedayat
Sahraei
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, and Applied Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah (a.s.) University of Medical Sciences
h.sahraei@bmsu.ac.ir
Y
Previous studies have shown that morphine administration could inhibit neural tube development in
rat embryos and produce behavioral defects in human and animals. In the present study, the effects of maternal
morphine consumption on embryonic neural plate development in Wistar rats were investigated.
Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar rats (250-300 g) were crossed with males. After pregnancy, the treatment
group received 0.1 mg/ml of morphine in drinking water daily (14 ml water/100 g of body weight for each rat), while
the control group received tap water. Eight days and 12 hours after the onset of pregnancy, the animals were
anesthetized by chloroform and the embryos were taken out surgically. Lengths of embryos were determined by a
Caliper. Embryos were fixed in formalin 10% and tissue was processed, sectioned and stained with H;E. The sections
were examined for neural plate development by a light microscope and the MOTIC software.
Results: Embryonic length in the treatment group was significantly decreased compared with the control group.
Neural plate was observed in the control group. Development of neural plate and other embryonic layers (ectoderm,
mesoderm and endoderm) were delayed in the treatment group. The ectoderm layer group was poorly developed in
embryos exposed to morphine.
Conclusion: Morphine consumption during pregnancy could cause a delay in the development of the neural plate as
well as the embryonic layers and especially the ectoderm.
Development; Neural plate; Embryonic Layers; Morphine.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-485-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-485-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
Effect of pentoxifylline on brain edema in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia
320
327
EN
Abedin
Vakili
Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Department and Research Center of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Abvakili@yahoo.com
Y
Somaye
Mojarrad
Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Department and Research Center of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
somayemojarrad@yahoo.com
N
Pervious studies have shown that pentoxifylline (PTX) has beneficial effects in reduction of stroke
and brain trauma injuries in experimental animals. However, there is very little and controversial information about the
effect of PTX on brain edema in cerebral ischemia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of
different doses of PTX on brain edema and neurological motor dysfunction in a rat model of transient focal cerebral
ischemia.
Methods: Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced in Wistar rats by 60 min middle cerebral artery occlusion,
followed by 23 h reperfusion. PTX was injected at doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg ip at the beginning of ischemia.
Twenty-four h after ischemia, neurological motor dysfunction and the percentage of brain water content (edema) were
determined.
Results: Administration of PTX at the dose of 60 mg/kg significantly reduced brain water content (P<0.001) and
neurological motor dysfunction (P<0.01) in comparison with the control group, while 15 and 30 mg/kg of PTX had no
significant effect on any of the parameters.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that PTX only at the dose of 60 mg/kg exerts anti-edematous effects
and improves neurological motor dysfunction in the acute phase of transient focal cerebral ischemia in rat.
Pentoxifylline, transient focal cerebral ischemic, brain edema, rat.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-499-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-499-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
Ketamine induces anterograde and retrograde amnesia in rats
328
335
EN
Seyed Ershad
Nedaei
Dept. Physiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Ershad_nedaei@yahoo.com
Y
Ali
Pourmotabbed
Dept. Physiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran
N
Entezar
Mehrabi nasab
Dept. Physiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran
N
Atefeh
Touhidi
Dept. Physiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran
N
Introduction: The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which have been implicated in memory formation,
could be noncompetitively blocked by ketamine. The present study examines the short term effect of ketamine on
induction of anterograde and retrograde amnesia in male rats using Morris water maze (MWM).
Methods: Male N-MRI rats were randomly divided into nine experimental groups. MWM studies were performed
to evaluate spatial learning and memory parameters. In order to examine the effect of ketamine on the induction of
anterograde amnesia, 4 groups of animals received daily injections of ketamine (1, 3, 6 or 12 mg/kg, i.p.) 10 min before
testing on training days. To examine the effect of drug on the induction of retrograde amnesia four other groups of rats
received daily injection of normal saline (on training days) and ketamine (1, 3, 6, or 12 mg/kg, i.p.) (in probe trial) 10
min before testing. Rats of the control group received normal saline on all days of experiments. Spatial learning and
memory parameters were recorded and subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Difference was considered
significant if p<0.05.
Results: Data showed that injection of ketamine at the dose of 3 mg/kg and higher inhibits spatial learning and
memory parameters and induces both anterograde and retrograde amnesia in rats.
Conclusion: It seems that ketamine induces inhibitory effects on spatial learning and memory via blocking the
NMDA receptors. On the other hand, ketamine induced dose dependent decrease in swim speed which was significant
at the dose of 12 mg/kg.
ketamine, anterograde amnesia, retrograde amnesia, Morris water maze, rat.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-501-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-501-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
Association between tobacco smoke and serum nitric oxide metabolites concentration
336
341
EN
Asghar
Ghasemi
Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University (M.C) Tehran,Iran
Ghaseni@endocrine.ac.ir
N
Leila
Siadmoradi
Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University (M.C) Tehran,Iran
siadmoradi@yahoo.com
N
Amir Abbas
Momenan
Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University (M.C) Tehran,Iran
Momenan@endocrine.ac.ir
N
Saleh
Zahedi Asl
Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University (M.C) Tehran,Iran
Zahedi@endocrine.ac.ir
Y
Introduction: Cigarette smoking affects nitric oxide production. The aim of this study was to determine
associations between tobacco smoke and serum nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) concentration.
Methods: Serum NOx concentration was measured by the Griess method in 230 nonsmokers, 238 active, 196
passive and 29 waterpipe smokers. Subjects were selected from participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study and
blood samples were taken 12-14 h after overnight fasting. Mean NOx values were compared between groups by
analysis of variance and p values less than 0.05 were considered significant.
Results: Serum NOx concentration was significantly higher in smokers (28.2±1.0 μmol/l) compared to passive
(25.8±1.0 μmol/l) and nonsmokers (25.3±1.0 μmol/l) (p<0.05), while no significant difference was found in the level of
NOx between passive and waterpipe smokers (29.0 ±1.1 μmol/l) compared to nonsmokers.
Conclusion: Serum NOx concentration is increased in active smokers, which may be involved in the development
of vascular diseases.
Nitric oxide, Waterpipe, Cigarette smoke, Human.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-455-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-455-en.pdf
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
24765244
12
4
2009
1
1
The effect of morphine dependence on expression of hippocampal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits in male rats
342
350
EN
Ali
Mostafaie
Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
N
Ali
Pourmotabbed
Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
apourmotabbed@yahoo.com
Y
Abdolrasool
Khalafi
Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
N
Seyed Ershad
Nedaei
Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
N
Hedayat
Sahraei
Bagiyatallah (a.s.) University of Medical Sciences
N
Reza
Hajihosseini
University of Payam_e_noor
N
Introduction: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play a pivotal role in the development of tolerance and
physical dependence to opiates. Activation of NMDA receptors involves the induction of long term potentiation (LTP)
in hippocampus. Our previous study suggested that chronic oral administration of morphine enhanced NMDA
dependent LTP in the CA1 area of hippocampal slices of rats. The present study examines the expression levels of
individual NMDA receptor subunits, NR1, NR2A and NR2B, in the hippocampus of morphine-dependent rats by using
western blotting.
Methods: Total proteins of hippocampus were extracted by Tris-HCl buffer containing anti proteases and sodium
dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The extracted proteins were resolved by SDS-PAGE and transferred to polyvinylidenefloride
(PVDF) membrane by tank blotting and the subunits of NMDA receptor were analyzed by immunoblotting by using
specific antibodies.
Results: Obtained results provide both biochemical and statistical evidence to suggest that NMDA receptor function
in the hippocampus, at least in terms of expression of NR1, NR2A and NR2B protein subunits, increases in morphinedependent
rats.
Conclusion: Taken together, these data support several studies in the literature indicating that NMDA receptors in
the hippocampus are involved in the process of opiate dependence.
hippocampus, morphine-dependence, rat, NMDA receptor subunits.
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-507-en.html
http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-507-en.pdf