bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estrogen Receptor Alpha on Catecholaminergic Neurons in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius of Male and Female Rats
Authors: Nguyen Dianna Huyen‐Tram , Horn Christopher , Wang Lei A , Mifflin Steve 
Published: June 2021

Very little is known about the location of neurons expressing estrogen receptors within the NTS. To elucidate whether estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is expressed on catecholaminergic neurons in the NTS in male and female rats, adult male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats were transcardially perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde and hindbrains harvested. In coronal sections containing the NTS (40μm thick) immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antityrosine hydroxylase (TH) antibody (1:1000, Millipore) and secondary antibody Alexa Fluor 488 donkey anti‐mouse (1:500, Jackson ImmunoResearch) and polyclonal anti‐ERα antibody (1:2000–5000, Millipore) and secondary antibody Cy3 donkey anti‐rabbit (1:400, Jackson ImmunoResearch). Sections were captured using an Olympus BX41 fluorescence microscope and analyzed using ImageJ. The NTS was divided into 2 broad regions: sections caudal to the area postrema (caudal CAUD) and sections lying below the area postrema (sub‐postrema SP) The number of immunoreactive neurons in each region was counted and expressed as an average number of labeled neurons per section ± SEM. The number of sections analyzed ranged from 7–11 in CAUD and 3–7 in SP. In male rats, TH in CAUD NTS (n=6) was observed in 26 ± 4 and ERα in 24 ± 4 neurons/section. Co‐localization of ERα and TH was observed in 13 ± 2 neurons/section. TH in SP NTS (n=5) was observed in 54 ± 3 and ERα in 34 ± 2 neurons/section. Co‐localization of ERα and TH was observed in 15 ± 2 neurons/section. In female rats, TH in CAUD NTS (n=6) was observed in 27 ± 2 and ERα in 30 ± 3 neurons/section. Co‐localization of ERα and TH was observed in 17 ± 2 neurons/section. TH in SP NTS (n=6) was observed in 50 ± 4 and ERα in 52 ± 5 neurons/section. Co‐localization of ERα and TH was observed in 27 ± 2 neurons/section. At sacrifice, females were in estrus (n=1), diestrus (n=2) or proestrus (n=3). In CAUD NTS, the number of TH immunoreactive, ERα immunoreactive and TH/ERα co‐labeled neurons did not differ between males and females. In SP NTS, the number of TH immunoreactive neurons did not differ between males and females. However, in this region of NTS females had a significantly greater number of ERα (p=.013) and TH/ERα co‐labeled (p=.002) immunoreactive neurons compared to males. In CAUD NTS, ERα was observed in approx. 50% of TH immunoreactive neurons in males and approx. 63% in females. In SP NTS, ERα was observed in approx. 28% of TH immunoreactive neurons in males and approx. 54% in females. To conclude, ERα is expressed on a subset of catecholaminergic NTS neurons, as well as non‐catecholaminergic neurons in both male and female rats.Support or Funding InformationThis work is supported by National Institute of Health P01 HL088052.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Anti ‐inflammatory Treatment with a Prodrug of Dexamethasone in Stellate Ganglia Attenuates Ventricular Arrhythmogenesis in Chronic Heart Failure Rats
Authors: Zhang Dongze , Tu Huiyin , Wang Dong , Wadman Michael C. , Li Yulong 
Published: June 2021

Cardiac sympathetic overactivation is a key trigger for ventricular arrhythmogenesis and is involved in sudden cardiac death in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Inflammatory infiltration in stellate ganglia (SG) has been considered as a critical factor to boost adrenergic activity in patients with ventricular arrhythmia. Our current study aims to investigate whether anti‐inflammatory treatment with a macromolecular prodrug of dexamethasone (P‐Dex) in the SG attenuates cardiac sympathetic overactivation and ventricular arrhythmogenesis in CHF rats. CHF rat was induced by surgical ligation of left coronary artery. P‐Dex (10 mM, 2 μl) was microinjected into bilateral SGs at 12 weeks after coronary artery ligation. Final experiments were performed at 9 days after P‐Dex treatment. ECG data obtained from 24‐hour continuous telemetry recording in conscious rats demonstrated that anti‐inflammatory treatment with P‐Dex in SGs reduced the incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF). CHF‐induced heterogeneity of ventricular electrical activities was restored by P‐Dex treatment, as evidenced by P‐Dex‐shortened QT interval, QT dispersion as well as T‐peak to T‐end interval. In the power spectral analysis of heart rate variability, P‐Dex treatment in SGs normalized CHF‐increased ratio of low frequency to high frequency. In addition, anti‐inflammatory treatment with P‐Dex not only reduced CHF‐induced cardiac sympathetic nerve over‐activity, but also decreased the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in CHF rats. Based on above data, we conclude that anti‐inflammatory treatment with P‐Dex in SGs attenuated CHF‐induced cardiac sympathetic overactivation and ventricular arrhythmia, suggesting that anti‐inflammatory treatment in SGs might be an effective therapeutic strategy to improve lethal ventricular arrhythmia and reduce mortality in patients with CHF.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Grant (R01HL137832A to Y.‐L. Li)This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) expression and Renin/Angiotensin System (RAS) in salt‐sensitive rats
Authors: Okechukwu Charles , Awumey Emmanuel Modesto 
Published: June 2021

The CaSR provides the primary mechanism for Ca2+‐mediated regulation of the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) as a result of parathyroid cells sensing small changes in the [Ca2+]. However, the CaSR is also involved in the fine regulation of serum Ca2+ levels and renal Ca2+ excretion, independent of PTH secretion. The mechanisms underlying these latter effects are not clear. The renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) plays vital roles in the development of hypertension. The disease is associated with vasoconstriction, endothelial and renal dysfunction. Treatment of the disease is difficult because the mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent studies have revealed that a high salt diet reduces renal [Ca2+] and increases systolic blood pressure in Dahl salt‐sensitive rats. Studies show that adequate Ca2+ intake (1.0 to 1.5 g/day) is critical for optimal blood pressure (BP) regulation, and randomized controlled trials have revealed significant reductions in hypertension risk and BP levels in human. In the kidney, the CaSR is expressed along the nephron and plays an important role, with the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), in the regulation of renal tubular Ca2+, Na+ and water reabsorption. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of high salt diets and receptor mutation on the expression of CaSR, its downstream signaling complements and proteins in the RAS in female Dahl salt‐sensitive rats. Our data indicate that CaSR gene mutation and high salt diets modulate the expression of the CaSR, GRK2, PKCα, NCX1 and RAS proteins in kidney. Thus, CaSR signaling is linked to RAS to control hypertension.Support or Funding InformationNIH Grant SC1 HL136278This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Perinatal Inflammation Results in Altered Histone 3 and Histone 4 Methylation Patterns
Authors: Sugar Sophia S , Heyob Kathryn M , Rogers Lynette 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) continues to be a significant pulmonary complication for preterm infants, but the mechanisms associated with altered lung development remain poorly understood. Our mouse model of perinatal inflammation mimics the pathophysiology observed in infants with severe BPD. We have previously reported decreased pulmonary miR‐29b and miR~17–92 cluster expression and increased global DNA methylation. These studies tested the hypothesis that histone methylation may also be responsible for the lung pathophysiology observed in this model. First, we investigated protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT)‐mediated changes in H4R3me2 (symmetrical and asymmetrical). Second, we explored lysine methylation, specifically H3K4me3, H3K9me2, and H3K27me3.MethodsPregnant C3H/HeN mice received an intraperitoneal LPS injection on E16 and newborn pups were exposed in 85% oxygen from birth to 14 days of life. On postnatal day 14 or 28, mouse lung tissues were harvested. Tissue homogenates were analyzed by western blot for PRMT‐1, PRMT‐5, and H4R3me2 symmetrical and asymmetrical and by ELISA for H3K4me3, H3K9me2, and H3K27me3 (Epigentek).ResultsPerinatal inflammation resulted in decreased expression of PRMT‐1 (1.0 v 0.45 arbitrary units, p<0.0001) and PRMT‐5 (1.0 v 0.48 arbitrary units, p=0.02) which corresponded to decreases in H4R3me2 symmetrical methylation (1.3 v 0.39 arbitrary units, p=0.04). H3K9me2 (39.8 vs 25.0 ug/mL, p=0.03) and H3K4me3 (41.1 vs 30.3 ug/mL, p<0.05) were also decreased in the exposed group while H3K27me3 was not significant.ConclusionOur data suggest that maternal inflammation combined with neonatal hyperoxia influences expression of proteins involved in histone methylation and alters specific histone methylation marks. Further investigations will explore expression of histone lysine methyltransferases and demethylases. Overall the changes observed suggest a disruption in chromatin structure which may be responsible for altered gene expression in this model.Support or Funding InformationNIH NICHD R01HD088033This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Lymphocytes mediate bone loss induced by gut microbiota repopulation following antibiotic use
Authors: Arce Naiomy Deliz Rios , Schaefer Laura , Britton Robert , McCabe Laura , Parameswaran Narayanan 
Published: June 2021

Recent studies link the gut microbiota, immune cells and bone health. We identified that treatment of mice with oral antibiotics followed by four weeks of natural repopulation leads to an altered gut microbiota composition as well as bone loss. To identify the role of lymphocytes in post‐ABX repopulation induced bone loss, we treated T and B lymphocyte‐deficient Rag knockout mice and corresponding wild‐type (WT) mice (male, C57BL/6J, 12 weeks of age) with antibiotics (ABX, ampicillin (1g/L) and neomycin (0.5g/L)) in the water for two weeks. Afterwards, mice received water without antibiotics for another 4 weeks to allow the repopulation of gut microbiota. Bone volume fraction (BVF) of the femurs were analyzed using microcomputed tomography. Our results demonstrate a significant decrease in post‐ABX WT mouse femoral trabecular BVF (relative to body weight (BW)) (WT:0.98±0.05, WT‐ABX: 0.69±0.07, n=14–17). Strikingly, this effect was not observed in the RAG‐KO (BVF/BW KO: 1.57±0.07, KO‐ABX: 1.49±0.11, n=9–11) mice. Analysis by diversity metrics (Bray‐Curtis) showed similar changes in gut microbiota repopulation in both the WT and RAG‐KO group. However, several operational taxonomic units (OTUs) classified as Lactobacillales were significantly higher in the repopulated RAG‐KO group when compared to the WT group (WT‐ABX: 0.24±.07, KO‐ABX:2.63±.31, n=11–14). This suggests that Lactobacillales might play a protective role in preventing bone loss during post‐ABX repopulation in the RAG‐KO mice. To test this possibility, we administered Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 for 4 weeks to post‐ABX‐treated WT mice. Our data establish that Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 can colonize the gut in the WT mice and more importantly, it prevents bone loss induced by post‐ABX repopulation. Together, our results demonstrate an important role for lymphocytes in regulating bone health and for the role of Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 to prevent bone loss in ABX‐treated mice.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Vascular Function in Healthy Adults Consuming Vegetarian and Omnivore Diets
Authors: Gonzalez Macarena Ramos , Mbakwe Alexis Ugochi , Smiljanec Katarina , Zuelch Michelle , Witman Melissa , Lennon Shannon Liduina 
Published: June 2021

Consumption of a vegetarian diet has been associated with a lower blood pressure (BP), lower incidence of overweight/obesity and decreased cardiovascular disease risk as compared to consumption of a diet containing red meat. The exact underlying mechanisms remain unclear however, it is hypothesized that a vegetarian diet may protect the vascular endothelium, whose optimal function is necessary to prevent pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.PURPOSETo determine if individuals who have been following a vegetarian diet have greater endothelial function compared to individuals consuming a non‐vegetarian diet containing red meat.METHODSHealthy, normotensive males and females between the ages of 18–50 years were recruited. Vegetarianism (V) was defined as following a plant‐based diet for at least 5 years that could include eggs and dairy and omnivores (O) were defined as consuming at least two servings of red meat a week. Diet history was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire. Vascular function was assessed using passive leg movement (PLM) to evaluate leg blood flow (LBF), an indicator of nitric oxide‐mediated endothelial function. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid‐to‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and aortic augmentation index (AI), an index of wave reflection. Females were tested in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.RESULTSForty‐eight subjects (V: 6M/20F, 28 ± 2 yr; BMI 22 ± 0.6 kg/m2; O: 9M/13F, 24 ± 1 yr; BMI 23 ± 0.6 kg/m2) completed the study. While total energy consumption did not differ between groups, there were significant differences in macronutrient consumption with V consuming more carbohydrate and fiber, less cholesterol, saturated fat, and protein than O, even when normalized to energy intake (P<0.05). Systolic BP tended to be lower in V (V: 113 ± 2, O: 117 ± 2 mmHg; P=0.06) while diastolic BP was not different between groups (V: 70 ± 1; O: 70 ± 2 mmHg; P>0.05). Pulse pressure was lower in V than O (V: 42 ± 1; O: 47 ± 2 mmHg; P<0.05). Vascular function as assessed by PLM showed differences in baseline LBF (V: 147 ± 14 mL/min, O: 199 ± 18 mL/min; P<0.05) and % change in LBF (V: 265 ± 43 mL/min, O: 169 ± 31 mL/min; P=0.05) while area under the curve (V: 125 ± 19, O: 95 ± 24) remained unchanged between the two groups (P>0.05). Arterial stiffness as assessed by PWV (V: 5.6 ± 0.2 m/s, O: 5.4 ± 0.2 m/s) and AI (V: 10 ± 3 %, O: 11 ± 2 %) were not different between groups (P>0.05).CONCLUSIONThese preliminary data suggest following a vegetarian diet may improve overall resting hemodynamics and peripheral vascular function compared to consumption of a diet containing red meat in apparently, healthy adults.Support or Funding InformationNIH NIGMS P20GM113125This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Utilization of Anatomage Table Technology Enhances Knowledge, Comprehension, and Application of Human Anatomy and Physiology in Multiple Settings
Authors: Smith Kyle Everett , Ruholl Hannah Olivia , Gopalan Chaya 
Published: June 2021

The Anatomage Table (AT), an advanced anatomy visualization system utilizing radiographic images of cadavers, allows dissection and reversible manipulations of a virtual human cadaver. The Anatomage Table has enhanced learning by creating a hands‐on and interactive way to study anatomy, helping future health care providers comprehensively understand cross‐sectional anatomy and adjacent structures in an integrative approach compared to traditional text book images. Creating coronal, sagittal, and transverse sections of the human body systems enhances three‐dimensional analysis of gross anatomy and histology. Understanding regional anatomy, depth, and adjacent structures is paramount when performing medical procedures such as epidurals, endovascular cannulations, intubations, and peripheral nerve blocks. Comprehension of structures and their periphery help guide assessment techniques before invasive procedures. This table allows a user to capture images of regional anatomy for lecture presentations and develop in‐house digital textbooks. Furthermore, images created using the AT help Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia students in distinguishing anatomical landmarks such as nerve plexuses, vertebrae, and vascular structures that correlate with anesthetic procedures. The Anatomage table serves as a magnificent tool in sharing the knowledge of anatomy and physiology among local community members. It is used in the Physiology Understanding Week outreach program to introduce anatomy to elementary school children. A pretest and posttest of anatomy knowledge implied that the elementary students scored higher after they were introduced to the AT compared to their scores before. The Anatomage Table has an unlimited potential to enhance student learning at many different levels from outreach to clinical practice.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Assessing Student‐Led Learning in an Anatomy Practical: Students' Perception
Authors: Lone Mutahira , Abdullah Elias , Balta Joy Y. 
Published: June 2021

The teaching of anatomy has for long been delivered through lectures and supplemented with practical sessions. Different institutions devise varies teaching methods to deliver the practical aspect of anatomy. Some of these methods are faculty‐led while others are more student‐led [1]. In this study we aimed to gather medical students' opinion on the various learning resources used to study anatomy, and link them to a number of learning outcomes. In addition, the study also aimed to assess the benefits of student‐led learning (SLL) and faculty‐led learning (SLL). First year medical students were invited to participate in this study. Information about the study was provided to the students and informed consent was obtained. In one practical session, student were divided into groups and were provided with a list of structures that they need to identify on prosections using the available resources. This was followed by a faculty led demonstration to identify the same list of structures. Students were then asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the practical session. Anonymized data was collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS). This study was approved by the Social Research Ethics Committee at University College Cork.From the 86 registered students, 65 took part in this study yielding a 75% response rate. Cadaveric prosections (mean = 1.40, SD = 0.965) were deemed as the most preferred for learning anatomy with plastic models (mean = 4.51, SD = 1.252) as the least favored. Prosections (mean = 4.42) were again deemed as the most superior resource in achieving the majority of the devised set of learning outcomes, while plastinated specimens (mean = 2.10) were the least helpful resource. Prosections were highly ranked by the students as they provide hands‐on experience on a realistic specimen, appreciation of spatial relationships and 3D visualization of structures. A larger number of students (n = 53, 81.53%) agreed that the SLL sessions offered more “independent learning” and the sessions provided a comfortable environment. A majority (n = 53, 81.53%) indicated that the FLL sessions gave more “assistance in learning” with less accountability. The students felt less accountable during the FLL tutorials possibly because they didn't feel pressured in knowing and explaining the material because the information was presented to them by experts. With the clear benefits of SLL, further research is required to investigate the best way to integrate similar sessions in an anatomy practical.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Board Games: A Tool in the Process of Microanatomy and Embryology Education and Learning
Authors: Teixeira Claudio Silva , da Costa Antônio Orcini , da Costa Roberta Oliveira , de Freitas Ana Paula Fragoso , Sanders João Victor Santos Souza , Cavalcante Jonathan Barros , Freitas Francisco Orlando Rafael , Cerqueira Gilberto Santos 
Published: June 2021

Teaching through interactive methodologies can promote revolutionary changes in the teaching‐learning processes, since the material produced can contain playful resources and other more attractive aspects that have the dynamism and the interaction with the students in the morphological sciences. Thus, games can be used for the purpose of developing self‐confidence, generating motivation, promoting playfulness and social interaction among those involved. In addition, games enable meaningful content practice, developing skills, conferring skill and competence. In this way the present research had as objective to investigate, educational games with educational resource in the process of teaching and learning of embryology and histology. Conducted through a descriptive, cross‐sectional study with a quantitative approach. The games were held at a basic education school in Brazil. 25 high school students participated in the study. With a data collection instrument, a semi‐structured questionnaire was used, applied in two different moments, pre‐test, followed by interventions of educational games and post‐test. The Mann Whitney test was used to analyze the data. The results showed a statistically significant difference in students' learning before and after the application of the educational games, observing a greater number of answers in the questions involving knowledge of embryology (p <0.05), however, in histology there was no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05). It was observed that there is no statistically significant difference between the participants' ages. It was found that educational games function as a relevant tool for acquiring knowledge of embryology.Support or Funding InformationThis study received funding of CAPES.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.