Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation - Volume 34, issue 1-2

Authors: Niimi, Hideyuki | Patumraj, Suthiluk | Han, Jing-Yan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Asian traditional medicine (ATM) (herbal medicine, acupuncture or moxibution) has gained some popularity among communities in Asia. Some therapies employed in ATM have been verified using modern techniques, but the significance of ATM has still remained unclear. This symposium was focused on experimental data obtained recently.

Keywords: Asian Traditional Medicine (ATM), herbal medicine, microcirculation

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 85-88, 2006

Authors: Asano, Makishige

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: One of the favorites of traditional oriental medical treatments with Japanese people may be acupuncture for various intractable and/or chronic symptoms caused by external insults such as bruises and thermal injuries. The present paper was aimed to reminisce our previous two works using a rabbit ear chamber technique on effects of experimental acupuncture upon basic behaviors of cutaneous microcirculation and their pathophysiological changes induced by topical thermal stimulation in cutaneous microvascular system in vivo. Application of a single acupuncture needle (32-gauge, silver) to the back of rabbits, corresponding to Geshu (B17) in human beings, showed an increased microvascular blood flow …in parallel with augmentation of vasomotion. Daily application of respective three larger (32-gauge, silver) and smaller (0.12 mm in diameter and 4 mm in length, stainless steel) needles to fixed places of the back and ear lobe showed a notable acceleration of recovery from pathophysiological microcirculatory changes induced by the thermal stimulation such as hemorrhages and stases in accordance with restoration of vasomotion. Some implications of vasomotion in the curative effects of experimental acupuncture treatments were discussed from the microcirculatory point of view in conjunction with the clinical efficacy in human beings. Show more

Keywords: Acupuncture, cutaneous microcirculation, intravital microscopy, microphotoelectric plethysmography (MPPG), rabbit ear chamber (REC), thermal stimulation, vasomotion

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 89-96, 2006

Authors: Siriviriyakul, Prasong | Khemapech, Sirima | Monsiri, Khuanying | Patumraj, Suthiluk

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: To determine the effects and mechanism(s) of genistein on endothelial functions, the model of mesenteric-chamber with intravital fluorescence videomicroscopy and image analysis were used. After preconstriction with norepinephrine (NE; 10−6 M), vascular responses to different doses of genistein (10−2 –10−7 M) were recorded with real time video-camera. The mechanism(s) of vasodilation was also determined by using Nω -L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 100 μM), the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS inhibitor), and/or indomethacin (INDO; 10 μM), cyclooxygenase inhibitor. The results indicated that the topical application of 10−2 –10−7 M genistein on mesenteric microvessels caused the increase in …arteriolar diameters from 33% to 48%, respectively. The effects of genistein on mesenteric endothelial-dependent vasodilatation could be mediated through both L-arginine/NO and cyclooxygenase pathways. Our finding indicated that genistein could induce endothelial-dependent vasodilation similar to 17 β-estradiol. Show more

Keywords: Genistein, endothelial function, nitric oxide, PGI2

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 97-101, 2006

Authors: Sun, Kai | Wang, Chuan-She | Guo, Jun | Liu, Yu-Ying | Wang, Fang | Liu, Lian-Yi | He, Ji-Guo | Fan, Jing-Yu | Han, Jing-Yan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Panax notoginseng is the root of the Chinese traditional herb, Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H. Chen. This study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on the leukocyte adhesion and the expression of adhesion molecules in rat mesentery venules. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with urethane. These were divided into control, LPS (perfused with lipopolysaccharide), and PNS group (perfused with PNS). The mesenteric microcirculation was observed under a videomicroscope. The number of adherent leukocytes, which attached to the vascular wall during more than 10 seconds, was counted along single venules (30–50 μm in diameter, 200 μm …in length). The expression of adhesion molecules was examined using flow-cytometry in blood which was taken from the abdominal aorta and incubated with FITC-labeled CD11b (or CD18) antibodies. The results showed that different changes in the leukocyte adhesion and the expression of adhesion molecules among three groups. In LPS group, the leukocyte adhesion increased significantly after 20 minutes during the observation time, while it was reduced markedly in PNS group. The expression of CD11b and CD18 on the neutrophils was induced in LPS group, while it was reduced significantly in PNS group. It was suggested that PNS could reduce leukocyte adhesion in venules under the inhibitory effect on the expression of adhesion molecules (CD11b and CD18) on neutrophils. Show more

Keywords: Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), leukocyte–endothelium interaction, leukocyte adhesion molecule, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 103-108, 2006

Authors: Yoysungnoen, Pornprom | Wirachwong, Porntip | Bhattarakosol, Pavaphon | Niimi, Hideyuki | Patumraj, Suthiluk

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Anti-angiogenic activity of curcumin and effects of curcumin on angiogenic biomarkers, cycloxygenase (COX)-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were investigated. One day after hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2) cells (30 μl of 2×106 cells) were inoculated onto the upper layer of the skin-fold chamber (HepG2-group, n=15), curcumin solutions of 300 and 3000 mg/kg BW were daily oral fed to HepG2-Cur-300 and HepG2-Cur-3000 groups (n=30), respectively. Intravital fluorescence videomicroscopy was performed to monitor neocapillaries in the tumor on days 3, 7 and 14 post-tumor-inoculation, using RITC-dextran (0.1 ml of 0.5% injected intravenously). The tumor neocapillary density (NCD) was evaluated …in correlation with the tumor area, using a digital image analysis. The results demonstrated that the NCD of HepG2-groups were significantly increased on day 7 and 14, compared to the aged-matched Sham-groups (p<0.001). The increased NCD on day 7 and 14 were attenuated significantly by daily treatment of curcumin solution (3000 mg/kg BW).The curcumin treatment reduced the tumor-induced over-expression of COX-2 and serum VEGF in HepG2 groups significantly (p<0.001), indicating that curcumin could inhibit tumor angiogenesis. This mechanism might be mediated through reduction of angiogenic biomarkers, COX-2 and VEGF. Show more

Keywords: Curcumin, neocapillary density, hepatocellular carcinoma cells, tumor angiogenesis, cycloxygenesis (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 109-115, 2006

Authors: Sun, Bao-Liang | Xia, Zuo-Li | Hu, Dong-Mei | Niu, Jing-Zhong | Yuan, Hui | Ye, Wen-Jing | Wang, Xin-Cheng | Zhang, Su-Ming

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The study was aimed to investigate the alterations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors and the influence of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Wistar rats were divided into non-SAH, SAH, vehicle, EGb1 (lower dose), and EGb2 (higher dose) groups. Autologus arterial hemolysate was injected into cisterna magna to induce SAH. The non-SAH rats received cisternal injection of saline instead. Rats underwent RT-PCR determination of one of the VEGF receptors flt-1mRNA, and immunohistochemistry for VEGF receptors Flt-1 and Flk-1. The results revealed that there was only slight expression of flt-1mRNA in the brain tissue in non-SAH …rats. The expression in SAH group was enhanced 24 hours and 72 hours after cisternal injection. No Flt-1 and Flk-1 positive cell was observed in the brain in non-SAH group. A good few Flt-1 and Flk-1 positive cells were found in cortex and other regions of the brain in SAH group. The expression of flt-1mRNA, Flt-1 and Flk-1 proteins were increased by the use of two doses of EGb. It was concluded that the up-regulated expression of the two kinds of VEGF receptors may be an intrinsic protective mechanism in the process of SAH, which can be enhanced by EGb. Show more

Keywords: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, secondary cerebral ischemia, receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Ginkgo biloba (EGb)

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 117-124, 2006

Authors: Minamiyama, Motomu | Minato, Takumi | Yamamoto, Akemi | Kaihatsu, Takayuki | Tsunoda, Kenji

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Carpronium chloride, a hair growth reagent, is known to have a vasodilatory action, but its direct effect on the microcirculation has been known very primitively. This study was aimed to examine its effects on the vascular smooth muscles and blood flow in rat mesenteric arterioles using intravital videomicroscopy. After topically applying carpronium chloride on the microvasculature, we measured changes of diameter and blood flow in the arterioles. During its topical application, arteriolar vasodilation and flow increase were observed, while no change occurred in the mean systemic blood pressure. Our in vivo studies indicated that carpronium chloride achieved dilatation of vascular …smooth muscle in the microcirculation. Show more

Keywords: Carpronium chloride, intravital videomicroscopy, vasodilation, rat mesentery

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 125-129, 2006

Authors: Wang, Fang | Liu, Yu-Ying | Liu, Lian-Yi | Guo, Jun | Sun, Kai | Wang, Chuan-She | Fan, Jing-Yu | Han, Jing-Yan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper was aimed to explore the inhibition effect of cardiotonic pills (CP) on venous thrombosis induced in rat mesentery by photochemical stimulation (PS). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with urethane. Thrombosis was induced in the mesenteric venule by PS with photosensitizer hematoporphyrin and an ultraviolet beam. The rats were divided into three groups: control (n=6), PS (n=6) and PS+CP group (n=6) where CP solution (0.4 g/kg.b) was administrated orally 60 min before PS. Microcirculatory disturbances in the mesentery were observed under an inverted microscope with a color video-camera. Based on the recorded images, the development of thrombosis was evaluated …in term of time of thrombosis appearance (Ta ) and area ratio of thrombus/vessel (AR). The expression of adhesion molecule (CD31) of platelet was examined in blood taken from the abdominal aorta, using flow cytometry. The Ta was approximately 10 seconds after PS in PS group, but it was approximately 20 seconds in PS+CP group. The AR in PS+CP group was significantly reduced, compared to that in PS group, during the period of the observation. The CD31 expression was not changed in both groups, while positive cells were significantly increased in the number. It is suggested that CP might suppress thrombus development under the interaction of platelet with endothelium. Show more

Keywords: Cardiotonic pills, venous thrombosis, adhesion molecules, platelet, videomicroscopy

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 131-138, 2006

Authors: Jariyapongskul, Amporn | Pathumraj, Suthiluk | Niimi, Hideyuki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate effects of Yahom on the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in rats using fluorescence videomicroscopy. Male Wistar Furth rats weighing 200–250 g were used, and divided into three groups: experimental I, II and control groups. The experimental I and II groups received single oral administration of Yahom 2 and 4 g/kg.bw, and topical application of Yahom on the pial cerebral cortex, respectively, while the control group received oral administration of 1 ml of 5% Tween. The rCBF was monitored using laser Doppler flowmetry at different periods (5–120 minutes) after the administration of Yahom or …Tween. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured through a femoral artery. The cerebral microcirculation was observed and recorded under an intravital fluorescence videomicroscopic system. The arteriolar diameter was measured based on the recorded videomicroscopic images. The MAP and rCBF increased after the oral administration of Yahom, while they did not alter in the control group. The maximum responses of MAP and rCBF were approximately 16% and 33% at 45 min and 30 min after the administration of Yahom 4 g/kg.bw, respectively. The topical application of Yahom induced vasodilation in the pial microvessels. In conclusion, single oral administration of Yahom may increase the regional cerebral blood flow under the effect of cerebral microvascular vasodilation. Show more

Keywords: Fluorescence videomicroscopy, laser Doppler flowmetry, regional cerebral blood flow, vasodilation, Yahom

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 139-144, 2006

Authors: Han, Jing-Yan | Horie, Yoshinori | Li, Dan | Akiba, Yasutada | Nagata, Hiroshi | Miura, Soichiro | Oda, Masaya | Ishii, Hiromasa | Hibi, Toshifumi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Myakuryu (MR) is a newly developed herbal medicine composing Crataegue oinnatifida bge (COB), Panax notoginseng (PN) and Ginkyo biloba (GB). To examine the effectiveness of MR, we investigated its effects on rat mesenteric microcirculatory injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). The mesenteric microcirculation of ileocecal portion of a male Wistar rat was observed through an inverted-type intravital microscope assisted with a charge-coupled devise (CCD) camera. Mesenteric I/R was conducted by a ligation of the mesenteric artery and vein (10 min) and subsequent release of the occlusion. We measured venular diameter, the number of adherent leukocytes, dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) fluorescence as an …indicator of oxidative stress and mast cell degranulation, with or without MR extract (0.4 g/kg b.w.) via an orogastric tube 1hr before I/R. The diameters of the observed mesenteric venules were not changed after the mesenteric I/R. MR had no effect on venular diameter. The leukocytes adhering to the post-capillary venular walls started just after reperfusion, and increased thereafter. The increased number of adherent leukocytes was significantly reduced by treatment with MR. DHR fluorescence ratio was significantly increased along the venular wall. MR attenuated the increased oxidation. The mesenteric I/R induced mast cell degranulation. The increase in mast cell degranulation was inhibited by MR. In conclusion, oral administration of MR attenuates I/R-induced microvascular damages in rat mesentery. MR has a therapeutic potential for prevention of I/R-related microvascular injury. Show more

Keywords: Chinese medicine, oxygen radicals, leukocyte adherence, mast cell degranulation, ischemia–reperfusion

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 145-150, 2006