Nasrin Hashemi-Firouzi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Nasrin Hashemi-Firouzi
Journal of chemical neuroanatomy, Jul 1, 2024
Neurochemical journal, May 27, 2024
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a potential strategy for the treatment of Alzheime... more Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a potential strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The stem cells have a short lifespan after transplantation in the recipient animals. Selenium nanoparticles facilitate drug treatment in brain diseases due to their size. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of co-treatment of MSCs with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-coated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated AD in rats. Rats were assigned to five groups: control, Alz (STZ; 3 mg/kg, 10 μL, ICV), Alz+stem cell (ICV transplantation), Alz+SeNP (0.4 mg/kg, orally), and Alz+stem cell+SeNPs. ICV administration of STZ mimicked some aspects of AD in Alz groups. SeNPs were administrated for 30 days after STZ administration. The novel object recognition (NOR) and passive avoidance learning (PAL) tests were used to measure cognition and memory. Oxidative stress biomarkers, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and a...
Neurophysiology, 2013
We examined the effects of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, of sildenafil, ... more We examined the effects of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, and of combined administration of these agents on morphometric characteristics of principal cells of the murine hippocampus. Fluoxetine (5 mg/kg), sildenafil (2 mg/kg), or a combination of these drugs in the above doses were administered i.p. daily for 2 weeks to male mice. Hippocampal sections (5 mm thick) were stained with hematoxylin/eosin. Both drugs and their combination evoked no considerable changes in the dimensions of pyramidal cells in the CA1 and CA2 areas and in the dentate gyrus (DG), except for a trend toward some decrease of this parameter after fluoxetine injections in the CA1 area. Combined administration of fluoxetine and sildenafil provided significant decreases in the density of pyramidal neurons (their mean number per 10 mm of the slice) in the CA1 area and DG. Isolated administration of fluoxetine resulted in significant but less intense decreases in the density of principal cells in the CA2 area and DG. Possible mechanisms of the effects of the mentioned drugs are discussed. Further studies of interaction between fluoxetine and sildenafil in their effects on morphological and physiological properties of cells in different subregions of the hippocampus are recommended.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2022
IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by amyl... more IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by amyloid plaque deposits, neuronal cell loss, and memory impairment. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor associated with AD improvement. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) mediates therapeutic effects of G-CSF. This study investigated the effect of combination treatment of G-CSF and SDF-1 on amyloid plaque deposits, apoptosis, and behavior of AD rats.MethodsIntracerebroventricular amyloid-beta [Aβ(1-42)] peptide was used to induce AD in Aβ rats. There were six groups including naive control, sham-operated, Aβ, Aβ + G-CSF, Aβ + SDF-1, and Aβ + G-CSF + SDF-1. SDF-1 intra-cerebroventricular (ICV), G-CSF Subcutaneous (SC), or a combination of them were administered to Aβ rats weekly for 2 months. The cognition and memory were assessed using the novel object recognition, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. Next, rat brains were removed and the amyloid pl...
Cell Journal (Yakhteh), 2019
Objective Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from various sources have the potentials to positively aff... more Objective Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from various sources have the potentials to positively affect regenerative medicine. Furthermore, pre-conditioning strategies with different agents could improve the efficacy of cell therapy. This study compares the effects of an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, melatonin, on protection of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) and adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs). Materials and Methods In this experimental study, rat BMSCs and ADSCs were isolated and expanded. Pre-conditioning was performed with 5 µM melatonin for 24 hours. Cell proliferation and viability were detected by MTT assay. Expression of BAX, BCL2, melatonin receptors and osteocalcin genes were evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Also, apoptosis was detected with tunnel assay. Osteogenic differentiation was analyzed using alizarin red staining. Results No significant increase was found in cell viability between BMSCs and ADSCs after melatonin p...
Neurochemical Journal, 2013
ABSTRACT Pharmacological studies have implicated anxiety behavior in the withdrawal of opiates. T... more ABSTRACT Pharmacological studies have implicated anxiety behavior in the withdrawal of opiates. There is evidence demonstrating the role of serotonergic system and recently the role of 5-HT7 receptor regulation has been shown in anxiety behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 5-HT7 receptor agonists and antagonists on anxiety behavior related to morphine withdrawal in male mice. Morphine dependence was induced by repeated treatment with morphine within 5 consecutive days. The anxiety responses were measured after the last morphine administration. Morphine-dependent mice were pretreated with AS19 (3 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.), SB269970 (1 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline, and subsequently with naloxone (3 mg/kg, s.c), prior to testing in elevated plus-maze. The number of entries into the open arms and the time spent in the open arms were measured. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the number of entries into the open arms and the time spent in open areas of plus-maze between the experimental groups. It was concluded that neither SB269970 nor AS19 had any effect on anxiety behavior related to morphine. The 5-HT7 receptor had no significant role in the anxiety behavior related to morphine withdrawal.
Advanced Biomedical Research, 2015
Anxiety disorders are frequently common neuropsychiatric disorders. Herbal medicines are widespre... more Anxiety disorders are frequently common neuropsychiatric disorders. Herbal medicines are widespread and used universal as a treatment compound for anxiety. The present study investigated the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Salix aegyptiaca blossom on rat behavior in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and compared results with the effects of diazepam, as a positive control drug. Seventy adult male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (N = 10). Animals received S. aegyptiaca extract (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) or Diazepam (0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and the control group was given the vehicle (10 ml/kg) 30 min before submitting into plus-maze test. The number of entries into the open and closed arms, the percentage of entries into the open arms of the EPM, and the time spent in the open arms were recorded. The results revealed significant increases in percentage of entries into the open arms (P < 0.01) and in the time spent in the open arms (P < 0.01) after administration of diazepam (0.3, 0.6) and S. aegyptiaca (50, 100 mg/kg) in compare with control group. S. aegyptiaca extract has no effects on the total distance covered by animals and number of closed arms entries, whereas diazepam decreased these parameters. The locomotor activity was not significantly changed by S. aegyptiaca. Single-session administration of optimum doses of total extract of S. aegyptiaca has anxiolytic effects in rat similar to the low dose of diazepam. More research is needed for better understanding of anxiolytic properties and neurobiological mechanisms of action and probable interactions of S. aegyptiaca extract with neurotransmitters.
Neuroscience Letters, 2014
h i g h l i g h t s • 5-HT7 receptors are involves on the morphine withdrawal symptoms. • Agonist... more h i g h l i g h t s • 5-HT7 receptors are involves on the morphine withdrawal symptoms. • Agonist of 5-HT7 receptors agonist reduced most of the symptoms. • Antagonist of 5-HT7 receptors had no effect or increased some of the symptoms.
Neurochemical Journal, 2013
ABSTRACT Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been widely prescribed drugs i... more ABSTRACT Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been widely prescribed drugs in psychiatry. However, it may produce controversial effects, including sexual dysfunction. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor type 5, may reduce fluoxetine-induced behavior alterations, but its drug interaction profile has not been investigated. To evaluate the interaction between sildenafil and fluoxetine, we acutely or chronically administered adult male mice with intraperitoneal sildenafil (2 mg/kg); fluoxetine (10 mg/kg); a mixture of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and sildenafil (2 mg/kg); the anxiolytic benzodiazepine, diazepam (0.3 mg/kg); or saline, after which the mice were evaluated in an elevated plus-maze. The number of entries into the open arms, the time spent in the open arms, and the numbers of total entries into the arms were determined as measures of anxiety. Acute treatment with fluoxetine produced a behavioral profile consistent with anxiogenesis, while sildenafil produced an anxiolytic-like profile. Co-administration of fluoxetine with sildenafil reversed the anxiogenic effects of the former. In chronic treatment neither of drugs (alone) had any effects compared to controls. Their combination resulted in anxiolytic effect. These findings suggest that the anxiolytic sildenafil masked the effect of fluoxetine in the chronic experiment.
Avicenna Journal of Medical Biochemistry, 2016
Background: Hyperlipidemia and low antioxidant levels is one the diabetes side effects. Some stud... more Background: Hyperlipidemia and low antioxidant levels is one the diabetes side effects. Some studies have indicated the possible effects of nutrients on the improvement of hyperlipidemia, by their antioxidants ingredients. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the synthetic antioxidant, tempol, on blood lipid profiles and glucose levels in healthy and diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar rats were randomly divided to four experimental groups including, healthy control, diabetic control, diabetic receiving tempol and healthy receiving tempol groups. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, Intraperitoneally (IP)). The rats were then fed saline or tempol (30 mg/kg) by gavage for 60 days. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. Next, glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), cholesterol, triglyceride and HbA1c were measured by specific kits. Also, the coronary risk index was calculated. Results: The blood glucose level increased following diabetes induction. The level of blood glucose in the diabetic receiving tempol group decreased compared to the control diabetic group. The comparison of LDL, VLDL, cholesterol, triglyceride, HbA1c and coronary risk index among experimental groups indicated the increase of these factors in the diabetic group. High-density lipoprotein in the diabetic groups was lower than the other groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that tempol can improve dyslipidemia and may decrease hyperglycemia in diabetes. It seems that antioxidants such as tempol can improve dyslipidemia and may decrease hyperglycemia in diabetes.
Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, may have various effects on the central nervo... more Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, may have various effects on the central nervous system via the nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway. Preclinical studies have shown the controversial effect of sildenafil on anxiety-like behavior in animals. This study was undertaken to investigate the acute effect of sildenafil on anxiety-like behavior in mice. Methods: Male mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administrated sildenafil (1, 2, or 10 mg/kg), and the control group was given the vehicle 15 min before the plus-maze test. The number of entries into the open arms of the plus-maze, the time spent in the open arms, and the total numbers of entries into the arms were recorded. Results: The results indicated that compared to the control group, the sildenafiltreated mice spent more time in the open arms and had a greater number of entries into open arms. The total number of entries into the arms did not significantly differ between the sildenafil-treated groups and the control group. Discussion: Acute administration of sildenafil could have anxiolytic effects on male mice. This effect might be mediated in a time-dependent manner by the NO/ cGMP/PDE5 pathway.
Psicothema, 2014
Chronic morphine exposure creates dependence and, upon cessation, withdrawal symptoms. Studies in... more Chronic morphine exposure creates dependence and, upon cessation, withdrawal symptoms. Studies indicate the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil may provide centrally mediated benefits against withdrawal, and therefore, this study evaluated morphine withdrawal signs in dependent mice with and without sildenafil treatment. Dependence was induced by repeated treatments with morphine over 5 consecutive days. The morphine-dependent mice received sildenafil (1, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 min prior to the precipitation of morphine withdrawal. On the last day, naloxone was injected 2 hours after the last morphine injection, and withdrawal signs were evaluated for 30 min after naloxone injection. The administration of sildenafil reduced all of the morphine withdrawal symptoms. The administration of sildenafil diminished morphine withdrawal signs in morphine-dependent mice. We hypothesize that the mechanism involves enhanced cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) activity, b...
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 2021
Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated wi... more Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with impaired cognitive skills and learning and memory dysfunctions. It has been suggested that pelargonidin (PG), as an antioxidant agent, has a neuroprotective effect. PG could prevent damaging effects of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition. The aim of this study was to determine the chronic effect of PG on hippocampal neurons and memory processes in a rat model of AD. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male adult rats were divided into sham, AD, AD+PG (5 μg, intracerebroventricular), and PG (5 μg, intracerebroventricular) groups. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Aβ peptides (6 μg) was done using stereotaxic surgery. ICV administration of PG or saline was performed daily for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral analysis was performed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and passive avoidance tests. Neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL assay in the hippocampus. Results: The ICV ...
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 2015
Introduction: Previous studies have shown that cannabinoidergic system is involved in anxiety. Ho... more Introduction: Previous studies have shown that cannabinoidergic system is involved in anxiety. However, there are controversial reports in the experimental studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pharmacological stimulation or blocking of CB1 receptors and inhibition of endocannabinoid degradation in anxiety like behavior in elevated plus-maze (EPM) test in rat. The EPM is one of the most widely used animal models of anxiety. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to ten groups. Different groups of animals intraperitoneally received Win-55212 (0.3, 1 and 5 mg/kg) as CB1 receptor agonist, AM-251 (0.3, 1 and 5 mg/kg) as CB1 receptor antagonist, URB-597 (0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) as endocannabinoid breakdown inhibitor or saline (as control group) 30 min before submitting into EPM test. Results: The results showed that compared to the control group, Win-55212 (1 and 5 mg/kg) and URB-597 (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) significantly increased both of the time and percen...
Research Journal of Pharmacognosy, 2020
Background and objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive... more Background and objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD. It has been proposed that administration of antioxidants affect cognitive processes, such as learning and memory. This study investigated the protective effects of vitamin E and Ginkgo biloba extract (as antioxidants) on learning and memory, hippocampal plasticity, and apoptotic marker proteins in a rat model of AD. Methods: The hyroalcoholic extract of Gingko biloba leaves wasprepared using maceration method. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, sham received intra-hippocampal injection (I.H.P) of vehicle, AD model that received intra-hippocampal injection of the beta-amyloid (Aβ), AD+ vitamin E (200 mg/kg, i.p.), AD+ G. biloba (100 mg/kg/p.o.), and AD+ vitamin E (200 mg/kg, i.p.)+ G. biloba (100 mg/kg/p.o.). At the end of the treatments, the rats were subjected to the passive avoidanc...
Journal of chemical neuroanatomy, Jul 1, 2024
Neurochemical journal, May 27, 2024
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a potential strategy for the treatment of Alzheime... more Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a potential strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The stem cells have a short lifespan after transplantation in the recipient animals. Selenium nanoparticles facilitate drug treatment in brain diseases due to their size. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of co-treatment of MSCs with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-coated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated AD in rats. Rats were assigned to five groups: control, Alz (STZ; 3 mg/kg, 10 μL, ICV), Alz+stem cell (ICV transplantation), Alz+SeNP (0.4 mg/kg, orally), and Alz+stem cell+SeNPs. ICV administration of STZ mimicked some aspects of AD in Alz groups. SeNPs were administrated for 30 days after STZ administration. The novel object recognition (NOR) and passive avoidance learning (PAL) tests were used to measure cognition and memory. Oxidative stress biomarkers, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and a...
Neurophysiology, 2013
We examined the effects of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, of sildenafil, ... more We examined the effects of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, and of combined administration of these agents on morphometric characteristics of principal cells of the murine hippocampus. Fluoxetine (5 mg/kg), sildenafil (2 mg/kg), or a combination of these drugs in the above doses were administered i.p. daily for 2 weeks to male mice. Hippocampal sections (5 mm thick) were stained with hematoxylin/eosin. Both drugs and their combination evoked no considerable changes in the dimensions of pyramidal cells in the CA1 and CA2 areas and in the dentate gyrus (DG), except for a trend toward some decrease of this parameter after fluoxetine injections in the CA1 area. Combined administration of fluoxetine and sildenafil provided significant decreases in the density of pyramidal neurons (their mean number per 10 mm of the slice) in the CA1 area and DG. Isolated administration of fluoxetine resulted in significant but less intense decreases in the density of principal cells in the CA2 area and DG. Possible mechanisms of the effects of the mentioned drugs are discussed. Further studies of interaction between fluoxetine and sildenafil in their effects on morphological and physiological properties of cells in different subregions of the hippocampus are recommended.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2022
IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by amyl... more IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by amyloid plaque deposits, neuronal cell loss, and memory impairment. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor associated with AD improvement. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) mediates therapeutic effects of G-CSF. This study investigated the effect of combination treatment of G-CSF and SDF-1 on amyloid plaque deposits, apoptosis, and behavior of AD rats.MethodsIntracerebroventricular amyloid-beta [Aβ(1-42)] peptide was used to induce AD in Aβ rats. There were six groups including naive control, sham-operated, Aβ, Aβ + G-CSF, Aβ + SDF-1, and Aβ + G-CSF + SDF-1. SDF-1 intra-cerebroventricular (ICV), G-CSF Subcutaneous (SC), or a combination of them were administered to Aβ rats weekly for 2 months. The cognition and memory were assessed using the novel object recognition, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. Next, rat brains were removed and the amyloid pl...
Cell Journal (Yakhteh), 2019
Objective Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from various sources have the potentials to positively aff... more Objective Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from various sources have the potentials to positively affect regenerative medicine. Furthermore, pre-conditioning strategies with different agents could improve the efficacy of cell therapy. This study compares the effects of an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, melatonin, on protection of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) and adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs). Materials and Methods In this experimental study, rat BMSCs and ADSCs were isolated and expanded. Pre-conditioning was performed with 5 µM melatonin for 24 hours. Cell proliferation and viability were detected by MTT assay. Expression of BAX, BCL2, melatonin receptors and osteocalcin genes were evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Also, apoptosis was detected with tunnel assay. Osteogenic differentiation was analyzed using alizarin red staining. Results No significant increase was found in cell viability between BMSCs and ADSCs after melatonin p...
Neurochemical Journal, 2013
ABSTRACT Pharmacological studies have implicated anxiety behavior in the withdrawal of opiates. T... more ABSTRACT Pharmacological studies have implicated anxiety behavior in the withdrawal of opiates. There is evidence demonstrating the role of serotonergic system and recently the role of 5-HT7 receptor regulation has been shown in anxiety behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 5-HT7 receptor agonists and antagonists on anxiety behavior related to morphine withdrawal in male mice. Morphine dependence was induced by repeated treatment with morphine within 5 consecutive days. The anxiety responses were measured after the last morphine administration. Morphine-dependent mice were pretreated with AS19 (3 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.), SB269970 (1 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline, and subsequently with naloxone (3 mg/kg, s.c), prior to testing in elevated plus-maze. The number of entries into the open arms and the time spent in the open arms were measured. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the number of entries into the open arms and the time spent in open areas of plus-maze between the experimental groups. It was concluded that neither SB269970 nor AS19 had any effect on anxiety behavior related to morphine. The 5-HT7 receptor had no significant role in the anxiety behavior related to morphine withdrawal.
Advanced Biomedical Research, 2015
Anxiety disorders are frequently common neuropsychiatric disorders. Herbal medicines are widespre... more Anxiety disorders are frequently common neuropsychiatric disorders. Herbal medicines are widespread and used universal as a treatment compound for anxiety. The present study investigated the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Salix aegyptiaca blossom on rat behavior in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and compared results with the effects of diazepam, as a positive control drug. Seventy adult male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (N = 10). Animals received S. aegyptiaca extract (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) or Diazepam (0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and the control group was given the vehicle (10 ml/kg) 30 min before submitting into plus-maze test. The number of entries into the open and closed arms, the percentage of entries into the open arms of the EPM, and the time spent in the open arms were recorded. The results revealed significant increases in percentage of entries into the open arms (P < 0.01) and in the time spent in the open arms (P < 0.01) after administration of diazepam (0.3, 0.6) and S. aegyptiaca (50, 100 mg/kg) in compare with control group. S. aegyptiaca extract has no effects on the total distance covered by animals and number of closed arms entries, whereas diazepam decreased these parameters. The locomotor activity was not significantly changed by S. aegyptiaca. Single-session administration of optimum doses of total extract of S. aegyptiaca has anxiolytic effects in rat similar to the low dose of diazepam. More research is needed for better understanding of anxiolytic properties and neurobiological mechanisms of action and probable interactions of S. aegyptiaca extract with neurotransmitters.
Neuroscience Letters, 2014
h i g h l i g h t s • 5-HT7 receptors are involves on the morphine withdrawal symptoms. • Agonist... more h i g h l i g h t s • 5-HT7 receptors are involves on the morphine withdrawal symptoms. • Agonist of 5-HT7 receptors agonist reduced most of the symptoms. • Antagonist of 5-HT7 receptors had no effect or increased some of the symptoms.
Neurochemical Journal, 2013
ABSTRACT Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been widely prescribed drugs i... more ABSTRACT Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been widely prescribed drugs in psychiatry. However, it may produce controversial effects, including sexual dysfunction. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor type 5, may reduce fluoxetine-induced behavior alterations, but its drug interaction profile has not been investigated. To evaluate the interaction between sildenafil and fluoxetine, we acutely or chronically administered adult male mice with intraperitoneal sildenafil (2 mg/kg); fluoxetine (10 mg/kg); a mixture of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and sildenafil (2 mg/kg); the anxiolytic benzodiazepine, diazepam (0.3 mg/kg); or saline, after which the mice were evaluated in an elevated plus-maze. The number of entries into the open arms, the time spent in the open arms, and the numbers of total entries into the arms were determined as measures of anxiety. Acute treatment with fluoxetine produced a behavioral profile consistent with anxiogenesis, while sildenafil produced an anxiolytic-like profile. Co-administration of fluoxetine with sildenafil reversed the anxiogenic effects of the former. In chronic treatment neither of drugs (alone) had any effects compared to controls. Their combination resulted in anxiolytic effect. These findings suggest that the anxiolytic sildenafil masked the effect of fluoxetine in the chronic experiment.
Avicenna Journal of Medical Biochemistry, 2016
Background: Hyperlipidemia and low antioxidant levels is one the diabetes side effects. Some stud... more Background: Hyperlipidemia and low antioxidant levels is one the diabetes side effects. Some studies have indicated the possible effects of nutrients on the improvement of hyperlipidemia, by their antioxidants ingredients. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the synthetic antioxidant, tempol, on blood lipid profiles and glucose levels in healthy and diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar rats were randomly divided to four experimental groups including, healthy control, diabetic control, diabetic receiving tempol and healthy receiving tempol groups. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, Intraperitoneally (IP)). The rats were then fed saline or tempol (30 mg/kg) by gavage for 60 days. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. Next, glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), cholesterol, triglyceride and HbA1c were measured by specific kits. Also, the coronary risk index was calculated. Results: The blood glucose level increased following diabetes induction. The level of blood glucose in the diabetic receiving tempol group decreased compared to the control diabetic group. The comparison of LDL, VLDL, cholesterol, triglyceride, HbA1c and coronary risk index among experimental groups indicated the increase of these factors in the diabetic group. High-density lipoprotein in the diabetic groups was lower than the other groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that tempol can improve dyslipidemia and may decrease hyperglycemia in diabetes. It seems that antioxidants such as tempol can improve dyslipidemia and may decrease hyperglycemia in diabetes.
Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, may have various effects on the central nervo... more Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, may have various effects on the central nervous system via the nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway. Preclinical studies have shown the controversial effect of sildenafil on anxiety-like behavior in animals. This study was undertaken to investigate the acute effect of sildenafil on anxiety-like behavior in mice. Methods: Male mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administrated sildenafil (1, 2, or 10 mg/kg), and the control group was given the vehicle 15 min before the plus-maze test. The number of entries into the open arms of the plus-maze, the time spent in the open arms, and the total numbers of entries into the arms were recorded. Results: The results indicated that compared to the control group, the sildenafiltreated mice spent more time in the open arms and had a greater number of entries into open arms. The total number of entries into the arms did not significantly differ between the sildenafil-treated groups and the control group. Discussion: Acute administration of sildenafil could have anxiolytic effects on male mice. This effect might be mediated in a time-dependent manner by the NO/ cGMP/PDE5 pathway.
Psicothema, 2014
Chronic morphine exposure creates dependence and, upon cessation, withdrawal symptoms. Studies in... more Chronic morphine exposure creates dependence and, upon cessation, withdrawal symptoms. Studies indicate the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil may provide centrally mediated benefits against withdrawal, and therefore, this study evaluated morphine withdrawal signs in dependent mice with and without sildenafil treatment. Dependence was induced by repeated treatments with morphine over 5 consecutive days. The morphine-dependent mice received sildenafil (1, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 min prior to the precipitation of morphine withdrawal. On the last day, naloxone was injected 2 hours after the last morphine injection, and withdrawal signs were evaluated for 30 min after naloxone injection. The administration of sildenafil reduced all of the morphine withdrawal symptoms. The administration of sildenafil diminished morphine withdrawal signs in morphine-dependent mice. We hypothesize that the mechanism involves enhanced cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) activity, b...
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 2021
Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated wi... more Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with impaired cognitive skills and learning and memory dysfunctions. It has been suggested that pelargonidin (PG), as an antioxidant agent, has a neuroprotective effect. PG could prevent damaging effects of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition. The aim of this study was to determine the chronic effect of PG on hippocampal neurons and memory processes in a rat model of AD. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male adult rats were divided into sham, AD, AD+PG (5 μg, intracerebroventricular), and PG (5 μg, intracerebroventricular) groups. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Aβ peptides (6 μg) was done using stereotaxic surgery. ICV administration of PG or saline was performed daily for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral analysis was performed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and passive avoidance tests. Neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL assay in the hippocampus. Results: The ICV ...
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 2015
Introduction: Previous studies have shown that cannabinoidergic system is involved in anxiety. Ho... more Introduction: Previous studies have shown that cannabinoidergic system is involved in anxiety. However, there are controversial reports in the experimental studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pharmacological stimulation or blocking of CB1 receptors and inhibition of endocannabinoid degradation in anxiety like behavior in elevated plus-maze (EPM) test in rat. The EPM is one of the most widely used animal models of anxiety. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to ten groups. Different groups of animals intraperitoneally received Win-55212 (0.3, 1 and 5 mg/kg) as CB1 receptor agonist, AM-251 (0.3, 1 and 5 mg/kg) as CB1 receptor antagonist, URB-597 (0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) as endocannabinoid breakdown inhibitor or saline (as control group) 30 min before submitting into EPM test. Results: The results showed that compared to the control group, Win-55212 (1 and 5 mg/kg) and URB-597 (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) significantly increased both of the time and percen...
Research Journal of Pharmacognosy, 2020
Background and objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive... more Background and objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD. It has been proposed that administration of antioxidants affect cognitive processes, such as learning and memory. This study investigated the protective effects of vitamin E and Ginkgo biloba extract (as antioxidants) on learning and memory, hippocampal plasticity, and apoptotic marker proteins in a rat model of AD. Methods: The hyroalcoholic extract of Gingko biloba leaves wasprepared using maceration method. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, sham received intra-hippocampal injection (I.H.P) of vehicle, AD model that received intra-hippocampal injection of the beta-amyloid (Aβ), AD+ vitamin E (200 mg/kg, i.p.), AD+ G. biloba (100 mg/kg/p.o.), and AD+ vitamin E (200 mg/kg, i.p.)+ G. biloba (100 mg/kg/p.o.). At the end of the treatments, the rats were subjected to the passive avoidanc...