Physiology and Pharmacology 

About: Physiology and Pharmacology is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Hippocampal formation & Oxidative stress. It has an ISSN identifier of 1735-0581. Over the lifetime, 633 publications have been published receiving 1628 citations.

Effect of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract on seminiferous tubules and oxidative stress after testicular torsion in adult rats

Abstract: Introduction: The aim was to investigate the protective effect of the Syzygium aromaticum extract on damaged tissues and the oxidative stress after testicular

The effect of Crocin on scopolamine induced spatial learning and memory deficits in rats

Abstract: Introduction: The cholinergic system plays an important role in learning and memory. Administration of either extracts of Crocus Sativus (Saffron) or its constituent, crocin, reduced ethanol-induced memory impairment. Based on the above findings, we investigated the effect of crocin in antagonizing spatial learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine, a cholinergic receptor antagonist, in rats by using Morris water maze (MWM). Methods: Male rats received crocin (1, 5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min after injection of scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline for 6 consecutive days. Control animals received only scopolamine or saline. Spatial learning and memory parameters in the same days were tested using MWM. For this purpose, escape latency and swim distance to hidden platform were tested for four consecutive days. In probe trials, percentages of time that animals spent in target quadrant were recorded. 24 h later, visible version of MWM was performed in which escape latency to visible platform and swim speed were tested. Results: The results indicated that administration of scopolamine impaired the formation of spatial learning and memory processes. Application of crocin in a dose-dependent manner ameliorated the effects of scopolamine. In the visible version of MWM, there was not any significant difference in spatial performance among animals in studied groups. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the crocin can inhibit scopolamine-induced impairments of spatial learning and memory in rats.

Effects of 10 Week Resistance Training and Ginger Consumption on C-reactive protein and Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Men

Abstract: Introduction: The use of exercise along with herbal supplements is one of the recommended methods for controlling obesity and its complications, but its effects have been controversial due to the diversity of training programs and also herbal supplements. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 10 week ginger and progressive resistance training on C-reactive protein (CRP) and other cardiovascular risk factors in obese men. Methods: In a double-blind design, 32 obese men (BMI≥ 30) were selected and randomized to four groups (each group comprised of 8 subjects): 1- ginger (GI) 2- resistance training plus placebo (PLRT) 3- resistance training plus ginger (RTPL) and 4- placebo (PL). Subjects of groups 1 and 3 consumed 1 gr ginger/d for 10 weeks, while subjects of groups 2 and 3 performed progressive resistance training at the same time. To evaluate lipid profiles, insulin resistance and CRP, blood samples were collected at the beginning of the first week and after the last week. Moreover, body composition and anthropometric indices were measured simultaneously. Results: After 10 weeks of interventions, both GRT and PLRT groups showed a significant decrease in WC, WHR, body fat percent, body fat mass, total cholesterol and insulin resistance, while these remained unchanged in two PL and GI groups (P>0.05). Moreover, significant decreases in the mean values of CRP were observed in all groups except the placebo group (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to our results, resistance training was a preventive approach to reduce the cardiovascular risk in obese men. Moreover, ginger supplementation did not have any influence on the lipid profile and insulin resistance at a dose of 1 gr/day, however, it exerted favorable effects on CRP in obese men.

Effects of Zizyphus jujuba Extract on Motor Coordination Impairment Induced by Bilateral Electric Lesions of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert in Rat

Abstract: Introduction: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by memory impairment, cognitive dysfunction, behavioral disturbances, and deficits in activities of daily living. AD has been found to be associated with a cholinergic deficit in the post-mortem brain characterized by a significant decrease in acetylcholine amount and loss of cholinergic neurons of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM). This study investigated the effect of Zizyphus jujuba (ZJ) extract on motor activity in NBM-lesioned rat model of AD and intact rats. Methods: In this study, 49 wistar rats were divided into 7 groups. Rats received bilateral electrolytic lesions of the NBM. The control and sham group received distilled water while NBM-lesioned groups received ZJ extract via gastric gavage for 20 days. Intact rats received ZJ extract for 20 days without any surgery. The motor activity assessed with rota-rod apparatus. Data were compared using one way ANOVA followed by LSD post test. Results: ZJ extract for 20 days improved motor activity in NBM-lesioned rats and intact rats that received extract at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. Conclusion: Results suggest that ZJ extract can improve the motor coordination both in NBM-lesioned rats and in intact rats.

Assesment of orexin receptor 1 in stress attenuated nociceptive behaviours in formalin test

Abstract: Introduction: It is known that acute and chronic stress induce hormonal and neuronal changes which affecting both pain threshold and nociceptive behaviours. Orexin plays an important role in modulation of pain and stress. Considering pain modulation during stress and the role of orexin in pain and stress, orexin might be involved in pain modulation during stress.We evaluated the involvement of orexin receptor-1in acute immobilization stress on the tonic pain model. Methods: Adult male, Wistar rats (200–300 g), placed in a stereotaxic apparatus and canulla were inserted into their left cerebral ventricle. After 1 week of recovery, animals were initially submitted to one session of acute restraint stress (30 min) and immediately submitted to formalin injection in the hind paw to evaluate nociceptive behaviours. Orexin receptor 1 antagonist (SB 334867) was injected intracerebroventricularly, 5 minute before formalin injection, while the solvent was injected in the control group. Results: two percent formalin produced typical biphasic pain responses in rats that was observed for more than 1 hour. Acute exposure to restraint stress reduced the nociceptive behaviour by chemical stimulation in phase 1, interphase and phase 2. The short-term stress induced analgesia was reflected in a decrease in the nociceptive behaviour during phase 1, whereas the long-term stress induced analgesia was reflected in a decrease in the nociceptive behaviours during phase 2. Pretreatment with orexin receptor 1 antagonist (SB 334867) attenuated the antinociceptive behavioral effect of restraint stress. Conclusion: Our results indicate that orexin receptor 1 antagonist attenuated antinociceptive effect of restraint stress assessed by formalin. These findings show that orexin receptor 1 might mediate an opioid-independent stress-induced analgesia.