Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Ursolic acid induces myoglobin expression and skeletal muscle remodeling in mice
373
382
EN
Nuredin
Bakhtiari
Dept. of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Masoud
Soulemani
Dept. of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad
Javan
Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Roohullah
Hemmati
Dept. of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Modern Technology, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
Saman
Hosseinkhani
Dept. of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: Ursolic Acid (UA) is a lipophilic triterpenoid compound, found in large amounts in apple peel.
Anabolic effects of UA on the skeletal muscle and the role of this tissue as a key regulator of systematic aging aroused
this question in mind whether UA might amend skeletal muscle performances such as myoglobin expression and also
whether it switches skeletal muscle fibers from glycolytic to oxidative.
Methods: In this study, 20 male C57BL/6 mice, aged 10 months, were used and divided to 2 groups. One group
received UA (200 mg/kg) + corn oil as vehicle, and the other group was given only corn oil, intraperitoneally. Injection
was done twice a day for 7 days, after which skeletal muscle was isolated and evaluated for myoglobin expression and
fiber typing by western blotting and mATPase histochemistry techniques.
Results: UA caused myoglobin over-expression (p<0/01). It also changed anaerobic glycolytic muscle fibers into
fast-oxidative (~ 30%) and slow-oxidative (4%) fibers.
Conclusion: It seems that UA mimics beneficial effects of exercise through up-regulation of myoglobin expression
and switching of muscle fiber types into oxidative fibers. It may be proposed as a good candidate for treatment of
skeletal muscle dysfunction.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Comparison of effect of intraperitoneal vs. intra-accumbal injection of memantine on response to acute stress in female NMRI mice
383
396
EN
Nahid
Sarahian
Dept. of Biology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran
Hedayat
Sahraei
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah (a.s.) University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Homeira
Zardooz
Dept. of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hengameh
Ali-Beik
Dept. of Biology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran
Bahareh
Sadeghi
Dept. of Biology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran
Taherehsadat
Javadifar
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah (a.s.) University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Gholamreza
Herfehdoost
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah (a.s.) University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Badri
Zarrin Ehteram
Dept. of Biology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran
Zahra
Ghanbari
Dept. of Biology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran
Fatemehsadat
Hoseini-Namvar
Dept. of Biology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: In this study, the effect of memantine administration into the nucleus accumbens on the metabolic
changes induced by acute stress in female mice was evaluated.
Methods: Intra-accumbens unilateral or bilateral canulation was performed. One week after recovery, a group of
animals were given memantine (1, 0.5, and 0.1 μg/mouse) five min before stress induction intra-accumbally, and the
other group received it (1, 0.5 and 0.1 mg/kg) 30 min before stress intraperitoneally. Food and water intake, weight of
fecal material, and the delay time before eating were measured as metabolic parameters after stress induction.
Results: Acute stress reduced water and food intake, fecal matter, and the delay time before eating. Intraperitoneal
memantine injections augmented the stress effect on water intake, but inhibited its effect on food intake at dose of 0.1
mg/kg and had no impact on defecation. The drug induced anorexia especially at dose of 1 mg/kg. On the other hand,
intra-accumbens memantine injections reduced water intake when the drug was injected in the left side. Moreover,
memantine injections inhibited or enhanced the effects of stress on water intake, food intake and defecation in a doseand
location-dependent manner, and also increased the delay time before eating.
Conclusion: Memantine inhibits or enhances the effects of acute stress dose-dependently. In addition, it seems that
there is asymmetry in nucleus accumbens response.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Intrahypothalamic paraventricular nucleus-microinjected SKF 38393, D1 receptor agonist, reduces food intake in 24 hours food-deprived rats
397
405
EN
Zahra
Mirmohammadsadeghi
Dept. of physiology, Intenational Branch of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Afsaneh
Elyasi
Dept. of Physiology, Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abbas
Haghparast
Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: Dopamine plays an important role in the central nervous system for modulating food intake.
Dopamine receptors are distributed within the hypothalamus, and expression of D1 receptors is significant in
hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Therefore, the aim of this study was to find if PVN-microinjected
SKF38393, D1 receptor agonist, may modulate food intake.
Methods: Guide cannula directed to the PVN were implanted in male Wistar rats (220-250 g). Stereotaxic
coordinates were: lateral: +0.4 mm from midline dorsoventral: 7 mm from skull surface anteroposterior: -1.8 mm from
the bregma. Intra-PVN microinjections of SKF38393, SCH23390 (D1 receptor antagonist) and saline were performed
after a 5-7 day recovery period. Hourly over a 3 hours period, the weight of food pellets was measured. Assessment of
spontaneous activity in rat was performed in standard activity chambers interfaced with a Digiscan animal. Feeding
trials were done normally from Saturday to Wednesday between 9:00 am and 12:00 on rats which were deprived of
food for 24 hours. All drugs were administered in 0.9% saline.
Results: Intraparaventricular injections of SKF38393 (0.06, 0.01 μg) decreased food intake in a dose-dependent
manner. The PVN injection of SCH23390, D1 receptor antagonist, did not affect food intake decreased by PVNmicroinjected
SKF38393 (0.01 μg). Analysis of the physical activity revealed that PVN microinjection of SKF38393
(0.01 μg) did not affect locomotor activity.
Conclusion: Our results showed that PVN-microinjected SKF38393 decreases food intake. This suppressive effect
is probably not mediated through D1 receptors.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Effect of alcoholic extract of ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) on mechanical activity of isolated jejunum of male rat
406
415
EN
Sara
Gharib
International Division, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Aminollah
Bahaoddini
Dept. of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Jafar
Vatanparast
Dept. of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Mahmoodreza
Moein
Dept. of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Introduction: The ginger rhizome has been widely used in traditional medicine for treatment of gastrointestinal
diseases. In the present study the effect of ginger alcoholic extract on mechanical activity of isolated jejunum of male
rats and also its interaction with cholinergic, adrenergic and Nitrergic systems were investigated.
Methods: Seven adult male Wistar rats were anesthetized by ethyl ether, their abdomen opened, and jejunum
dissected and divided into 1 cm strips. The strips were divided to experimental and control groups, and placed in organ
baths containing oxygenated, 37˚C, pH=7.4 Tyrode’s solution connected to a force transducer which was linked to AD
Instrument power lab. In the experimental group, 0.475 mg/mL alcoholic ginger extract and in the control group solvent
was added to the organ bath. Then mechanical activity of the strips in each group was recorded before and after
administration of acetyl choline (as cholinergic agonist), phenylephrine (as α-adrenergic agonist), isoproterenol (as β-
adrenergic agonist), propranolol (as β-adrenergic antagonist) and L-NAME (as nitric oxide synthase blocker). Data
were statistically analyzed using SPSS and independent-sample t-test at P≤0.05 as significance level.
Results: A significant (p<0.05) decrease in mechanical activity was found after administration of alcoholic ginger
extract compared with the control group, which was not reversed after acetyl choline administration. Also, no change
was detected after administration of phenylephrine, isoproterenol, propranolol and L-NAME.
Conclusion: This study showed that alcoholic extract of ginger has modifying effect on intestinal motility that is
partly related to the cholinergic system and possibly independent of the adrenergic and nitrergic systems.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Effects of Artemisia dracunculus essential oil on diarrhea and intestinal transit time in rat gastrointestinal tract
416
428
EN
Ghader
Jalilzadeh-Amin
Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Behzad
Mehrivar qarehdarvishlu
School of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Introduction: Artemisia dracunculus L. belongs to Asteraceae family, and is a medicinal plant widely used in
traditional medicine as a remedy for gastrointestinal disturbances. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of
essential oil of A. dracunculus (EOAD) on the rat alimentary tract.
Methods: The EOAD was extracted by Clevenger apparatus using hydrodistillation. LD50 was calculated based on
the Lorke’s method. The effects of EOAD (50–125 mg/kg) on intestinal transit time and diarrhea were investigated in
adult Wistar rats. EOAD was administered via oral route. For antidiarrheal effect evaluation, castor oil (2 mL/rat) was
administered intragastrically 30 min after EOAD (50-100 mg/kg) treatments and loperamide (3 mg/kg). The rat cages
were inspected hourly up to 4 hours for the presence of the characteristic diarrheal droppings, start time of diarrhea,
weight of stool, and the number of stool plates.
Results: The LD50 was 707.10 mg/kg. EOAD significantly inhibited intestinal motility at 125 mg/kg dose (P<0.05).
EO inhibitory effect was significantly (P<0.05) enhanced with simultaneous atropine. Castor oil caused diarrhea in all
animals in the control group in 93.83± 4.81 min. EOAD inhibited the castor oil-induced diarrhea at 75 and 100 mg/kg
doses. The EOAD delayed the onset of diarrhea, and produced a significant decrease in the frequency of defecation as
well as severity of diarrhea. It also protected the rats against diarrhea. In comparison with loperamid, the reference
antidiarrheal agent, the higher dose of EOAD demonstrated the same effective protection as castor oil-induced
diarrhoea.
Conclusion: These primary data indicated that the plant contains antidiarrheal constituents, which support the
popular therapeutic use of A. dracunculus for gastrointestinal disorders in traditional medicine.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Effect of ferric sulfate and ferric chloride in controlling liver bleeding an animal model study
429
436
EN
Saeed
Nouri
Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Reza
Sharif
Trauma Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Bardia
Jamali
Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Yunes
Panahi
Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: Controlling parenchymal hemorrhage, especially in liver, is still one of the challenges surgeons face
with when they try to save the patients’ lives despite improvements in surgical procedures. There is a research contest
between the researchers in this field to introduce more effective methods. This study aimed to compare the hemostatic
effect of ferric sulfate and ferric chloride on controlling the bleeding from liver parenchymal tissue.
Methods: In this animal model study 70 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into seven groups. An incision, 2
cm long and 0.5 cm deep, was made on each rat’s liver, and the hemostasis time was measured with different
concentrations (15%, 25%, and 50%) of either ferric sulfate or ferric chloride compared with the control method (i.e. by
simple suturing). The liver tissue was examined for pathological changes after one week. The obtained data were
analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests in the SPSS software.
Results: We found complete hemostasis in all groups. The hemostasis times of different concentrations of ferric
sulfate and ferric chloride were significantly less than that of the control group (P value<0.01). Ferric sulfate showed
statistically significant faster hemostasis at different concentrations compared with ferric chloride (P value<0.01).
Conclusion: Ferric sulfate and ferric chloride need less time to control liver bleeding compared to the control
method (i.e. by sutures). Ferric sulfate is a more effective hemostatic agent than ferric chloride in controlling hepatic
bleeding in an animal model.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
The effects of Mas receptor antagonist (A779) and renal perfusion pressure on serum nitrite concentration in male and female rats when angiotensin II receptors 1 & 2 were blocked
437
444
EN
Azam
Mansoori
Water & Electrolytes Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
shahrebanoo
oryan
Dept. of Biology, University of Kharazmi, Tehran, Iran
Mehdi
nematbakhsh
Water & Electrolytes Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Introduction: Renin angiotensin system has an important role in blood pressure and renal functions. Active
angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 converts angiotensin I into angiotensin-(1-7) which is a vasodilator hormone and
interacts with nitric oxide changes as well as other angiotensin II receptors. In this study we evaluated the role of Mas
receptor antagonist (A779) and renal perfusion pressure (RPP) on serum nitric oxide metabolite (nitrite) concentration
when angiotensin II receptors (AT1R & AT2R) were blocked.
Methods: After angiotensin II receptors blockage in anesthetized male and female rats, RPP was maintained at two
levels 80 & 100 mmHg by occluder around aorta above the renal arteries, and the effects of placebo and A779 on
concentration of serum nitrite level were studied.
Results: The results showed that when angiotensin II receptors were blocked, the serum level of nitrite in both
sexes, was not dependent on angiotensin-(1-7) receptor and did not change statistically, but by increasing renal
perfusion pressure and in the presence of angiotensin-(1-7) receptor the serum level of nitrite increased significantly
(p<0.05) in male rats but not in female rats.
Conclusion: Using angiotensin II receptors blockades and by increase of RPP, the serum level of nitrite is sexrelated.
This study showed the importance of Mas receptor in male sex when AT1R & AT2R were blocked.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Effect of exercise training and L-arginine supplementation on oxidative stress and left ventricular function in rats with myocardial infarction
445
454
EN
Kamal
Ranjbar
Dept. of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
Afshin
Nazari
Dept. of Physiology, Razi Herbal Medicine Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khoramabad, Iran
Farzad
Nazem
Dept. of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of exercise training and L-arginine
supplementation on oxidative stress and systolic ventricular function in rats with myocardial infarction (MI).
Methods: Four weeks after the surgically-induced MI, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following
4 groups (n=10): MI-sedentary control (Sed) MI-exercise (Ex) MI-sedentary+L-arginine (Sed+LA) and MIexercise+
L-arginine (Ex+LA). The Ex and Ex+LA groups ran for 10 weeks on treadmill. Rats in the L-arginine-treated
groups drank water containing 4% L-arginine. Before and after the training program, all subjects underwent resting
echocardiography. Also catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase were measured.
Results: cardiac output, stroke volume and fractional shortening in Ex and Ex+LA groups were significantly
increased compared to the Sed group. Cardiac systolic function in Ex+LA group was significantly greater than in Ex
group. Infarct size was insignificantly reduced in response to exercise. Also, glutathione peroxidase activity was
increased while malondialdehyde showed a decrease in response to exercise training, but no effect on myeloperoxidase
and catalase was noted. There was no difference in enzyme activity between the training groups.
Conclusion: Exercise training increased LV systolic function by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing
antioxidant defense system in rats with myocardial infarction. It appears that L-arginine improves left ventricular
function, but has no effect on oxidative stress indices.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Assessing the effect of intra-paragigantocellularis lateralis injection of 17β- estradiol on the acute and persistent pain in the male rat
455
465
EN
Roghaieh
Khakpay
Dept. of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Shabnam
Barani
Dept. of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Homeira
Hatami Nemati
Dept. of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Introduction: 17β-estradiol modulates nociception by binding to estrogenic receptors and also by allosteric
interaction with other membrane-bound receptors like glutamate and GABAA receptors. Beside its autonomic functions,
paragigantocellularis lateralis (LPGi) nucleus is also involved in pain modulation. The aim of the current study was to
investigate the role of the intracellular estrogenic receptors in the pain modulation by the LPGi nucleus of male rats.
Methods: In this study, male Wistar rats in the range of 200-270 gr were used. In order to study the effect of intra-
LPGi microinjection of 17β-estradiol on both acute and persistent pain modulation, cannulation of LPGi nucleus was
performed. At first, drugs were injected and 15 minutes later 50 μl of 4% formalin was injected into the rat's hind paw.
Then formalin-induced flexing and licking behaviours were recorded for 60 min.
Results: The results of current study showed that intra-LPGi injection of 17β-estradiol attenuated the flexing and the
licking behaviours both in the first phase (P<0.01) and in the second phase (P<0.001) of formalin test. The estrogen
receptor antagonist (ICI182,780) prevented 17β-estradiol-induced analgesic effect but could not reverse this effect to
the control condition, and it had significant difference with the control group, yet.
Conclusion: It may be concluded some part of the analgesic effect of 17β-estradiol in the LPGi nucleus on the
formalin-induced inflammatory pain is probably mediated by estrogenic receptors.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Effect of alcoholic extract of Iranian red onion on diabetic neuropathic pain in streptozotocin-diabetic rats
466
476
EN
Omid Reza
Tamtaji
Physiology Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Sayyed Alireza
Talaei
Physiology Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Zahra
Tamassoki
Physiology Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Mohsen
Taghizadeh
Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Introduction: Neuropathic pain is one of the common complications of diabetes mellitus which is caused by
impairment in nerve conductivity. The role of flavonoid and polyphenol compounds in treatment of neuropathic pain
has been revealed, and extract of onion contains significant amounts of these compounds. The aim of this study was to
investigate the effect of alcoholic extract of onion on diabetic neuropathic pain in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: normal control, diabetic
control and groups receiving alcoholic extract of onion (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day). After injection of streptozotocin
(55 mg/kg), the extract was administered for 3 weeks. At days 0, 7, 14 and 21 after injection of streptozotocin,
assessment of neuropathic pain was performed by thermal allodynia, mechanical allodynia, hyperalgesia and formalin
test.
Results: Behavioral responses to thermal and mechanical stimuli in diabetic control rats showed significant
reduction (P<0.05). Oral administration of alcoholic extract of onion at doses of 125 and 250 led to improvement in
diabetic neuropathic pain in all 4 tests. However, dose of 500 mg didn’t improve neuropathic pain.
Conclusion: Oral administration of alcoholic extract of Iranian red onion improves diabetic neuropathic pain in rats.
Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology and Pharmacology
24765236
18
4
2015
1
1
Effect of olibanum on a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease induced by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin
477
489
EN
Seyyed Rasoul
Zaker
Division of Animal Sciences, Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Siamak
Beheshti
Division of Animal Sciences, Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Rezvan
Aghaie
Division of Animal Sciences, Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Maryam
Noorbakhshnia
Division of Animal Sciences, Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Introduction: Olibanum improves memory in different models of learning. However, the effect of olibanum on
models of Alzheimer’s disease has been less studied. In the present study, the effect of olibanum on memory in normal
rats and in a rat model of Alzheimer disease induced by intracerebroventricular injections of streptozotocin was
evaluated.
Methods: Rats received an aqueous extract of olibanum (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg) via gavage, acutely 30 minutes
before the test and chronically for 21 consecutive days before assessment of memory racall. In two other groups of
animals, two guide cannulas were inserted into the lateral ventricles under stereotaxic surgery. One group received
bilateral injections of streptozotocin (1.5 mg/kg/2 μl/side) in the first and third days of surgery. The other group
received artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Fourteen days after surgery, learning was evaluated. Two other groups of animals
received olibanum (50 mg/kg) or its solvent, for 21 days beginning from one week before injections of streptozotocin.
Results: Acute administration of olibanum did not affect learning parameters, but chronic administration of it (50
mg/kg) improved memory retrieval. Streptozotocin increased number of necessary stimulations for induction of short
term memory, but decreased step through latency, significantly. In animals which received streptozotocin, olibanum
increased step through latency, significantly.
Conclusion: Olibanum reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease induced by streptozotocin. Further studies with
emphasis on active constituents of olibanum may result in development of drugs capable of decreasing probability of
Alzheimer’s disease occurrence.