Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
The Effect of 12 Hz Extremely Low-frequency Electromagnetic Field on Visual Memory of Male Macaque Monkeys
1
14
EN
Masoomeh
Kazemi
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
mkazemih@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-4031-8967
Hamed
Aliyari
Center for Human-Engaged Computing, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi, Japan.
hamedaliyary@gmail.com
N
0000-0001-5496-2756
Elaheh
Tekieh
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
elahehtekeh@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-7968-5991
Hassan
Tavakoli
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
tavakol@ibb.ut.ac.ir
N
Sahar
Golabi
Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.
sgolabister@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-1210-7222
Hedayat
Sahraei
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
h.sahrae@bmsu.ac.ir
N
0000-0001-9235-0013
Gholam Hossein
Meftahi
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
meftahi20@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-0665-186X
Maryam
Salehi
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
maryam.saleh60@gmail.com
N
Mehdi
Saberi
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
mS_ saber@yahoo.com
Y
10.32598/bcn.2021.724.8
Introduction: Today, humans live in a world surrounded by electromagnetic fields. Numerous studies have been conducted to discover the biological, physiological, and behavioral effects of electromagnetic fields on humans and animals. Given the biological similarities between monkeys and humans, The present research aimed to examine Visual Memory (VM), hormonal, genomic, and anatomic changes, in the male rhesus macaques exposed to an Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field (ELF-MF).
Methods: Four male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were used. For the behavioral tests, the animals should be fasting for 17 hours. For the tests such as visual memory, the animal’s cooperation was necessary. Using the radiation protocol, we exposed two monkeys to a 12-Hz electromagnetic field with a magnitude of 0.7 µT (electromagnetic radiation) four hours a day for a month. Before and after the exposure, a visual memory test was conducted using a coated device (visible reward) on a movable stand. Ten milliliters of blood was obtained from the femoral artery of each monkey, and half of it was used to examine cortisol serum levels using the MyBioSource kit (made in the USA). The other half of the blood was used to extract lymphocytes for assaying expressions of Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) genes before and after radiation using the PCR method. Anatomic studies of the amygdala were carried out based on pre- and post-radiation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Results: Research results indicated that visual memory in male primates increased significantly after exposure to the 12-Hz frequency. Hormonal analysis at the 12-Hz frequency showed a decrease in cortisol serum levels. However, visual memory and serum cortisol levels did not change considerably in male primates in the control group. There was no considerable amygdala volumetric difference after exposure to the 12-Hz frequency. The expression of the GR genes decreased in the 12-Hz group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: In short, these results indicated that ELF might benefit memory enhancement because exposure to the 12-HZ ELF can enhance visual memory. This outcome may be due to a decrease in plasma cortisol and or expression of GR genes. Moreover, direct amygdala involvement in this regard cannot be recommended.
Electromagnetic Field, Cortisol, Glucocorticoid receptor, Rhesus monkey
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1625-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1625-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Investigating the Cocaine-induced Reduction of Potassium Current on the Generation of Action Potentials Using a Computational Model
15
24
EN
Hadi
Borjkhani
School of Engineering Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
h_borjkhani@ut.ac.ir
Y
0000-0001-5495-3964
Mehdi
Borjkhani
Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Industrial Technologies, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran.
m.borjkhani@ut.ac.ir
N
0000-0003-0469-0902
Morteza A.
Sharif
Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Industrial Technologies, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran.
m.abdolahisharif@ee.uut.ac.ir
N
0000-0003-1469-6910
10.32598/bcn.2021.1150.2
Introduction: Drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, affect different brain regions and lead to pathological memories. These abnormal memories may occur due to changes in synaptic transmissions or variations in synaptic properties of neurons. It has been shown that cocaine inhibits delayed rectifying potassium currents in affected brain regions and can create pathological memories.
This study investigates how the change in the conductance of delayed rectifying potassium channels can affect the produced action potentials using a computational model.
Methods: We present a computational model with different channels and receptors, including sodium, potassium, calcium, NMDARs, and AMPARs, which can produce burst-type action potentials. In the simulations, by changing the delayed rectifying potassium conductance bifurcation diagram is calculated.
Results: By decreasing the potassium current for a fixed stimulatory signal, burst-type action potentials can be generated. In the following and with a further reduction of potassium conductance, produced action potentials exhibit non-linear and even chaotic behaviors.
Conclusion: Results show that for a specific range of potassium conductance, a chaotic regime emerges in produced action potentials. These chaotic oscillations may play a role in inducing abnormal memories.
Addiction, Cocaine, Delayed-rectifier potassium current, Computational model, Chaos
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1541-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1541-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
The Ameliorative Impact of Centella asiatica on the Working Memory Deficit in Streptozotocin-induced Rat Model of Alzheimer Disease
25
34
EN
Razyeh
Sahraei
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
rozsahra100@gmail.com
N
0000-0003-4372-2428
Samaneh
Aminyavari
Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Samaneh.aminyavari@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-2526-2870
Mehran
Hosseini
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
mehranhosseiny@yahoo.co.in
N
0000-0002-6793-2035
Mohammadmehdi
Hassanzadeh-Taheri
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
Mmhtahery35@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-9193-0056
Mohsen
Foadoddini
Cardiovascular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
Foadmohsen@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-9498-085X
Mohammadreza
Saebipour
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
saebipour@gmail.com
Y
0000-0002-1752-6442
10.32598/bcn.2021.144.4
Introduction: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with a progressive nature leading to neural damage and cognitive and memory deficit. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Centella asiatica (CA) in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of memory impairment and neuronal damage.
Methods: The intracerebroventricular infusion of STZ (3 mg/rat) or saline (as the vehicle) was performed on days 1 and 3. CA (150 and 300 mg/kg/d) was administered through oral gavage for 21 days after model induction. We used the Y-maze test to assess the working memory-related performances of animals. Rats were then sacrificed, and their hippocampi were harvested for evaluation of neuronal density in the cornu ammonis (CA1, CA2, CA3) and Dentate Gyrus (DG) regions using stereology technique.
Results: The intracerebroventricular infusion of STZ caused significant working memory impairment demonstrated in the Y-maze apparatus, with a significant decrease in alternative behavior compared to control animals (40.67±2.04 vs 73.00±1.88, P<0.0001). Oral administration of CA (150 and 300 mg/kg each day) for 21 days significantly improved STZ-induced working memory deficit (55.33±3.34 and 57.17±3.81 vs 40.67±2.04, P<0.013, P<0.004, respectively). Furthermore, 21 days of consecutive administration of CA significantly ameliorated STZ-induced neuronal loss in the CA1, CA2, and DG subfields of the hippocampus.
Conclusion: Overall, these data demonstrate that CA increases neuronal density and improves cognitive impairment in the STZ-induced rat model of AD, thereby having promising therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders. Accordingly, further studies are needed to determine the exact molecular mechanism of CA protective effects in brain disorders, particularly AD.
Alzheimer disease, Working memory, Centella asiatica, Neuron Degeneration
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1699-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1699-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Oral Administration of Probiotic Enterococcus durans to Ameliorate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice
35
46
EN
Seyed Abdollah
Samani
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
samani1352@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-7428-6844
Mohammad Raman
Moloudi
Liver and Digestive Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
X.moloudi@muk.ac.ir
N
0000-0003-2883-5213
Rashid
Ramezanzadeh
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
atrop_t51@yahoo.com
N
Mohammad
Abdi
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
Abdi@muk.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-4766-0423
Bahram
Nikkhoo
Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
bahram.nikkhoo@muk.ac.ir
N
Esmael
Izadpanah
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
ezadpanah2000@gmail.com
N
0000-0001-8090-906X
Daem
Roshani
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
Daemroshani@gmail.com
N
0000-0003-4746-1114
Alina
Abdolahi
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
alina.abdolahi@yahoo.com
N
Parisa
Esmaili
Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
parisaesmaili27@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-7756-1135
Kambiz
Hassanzadeh
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
kambizhassanzadeh@gmail.com
Y
0000-0002-8737-312X
10.32598/bcn.2021.1955.1
Introduction: Probiotics, including lactobacilli, have immunomodulatory activities with promising effects on inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluate the effect of Enterococcus durans (Edu) and three various strains of lactobacilli (Lacto-mix), including L. rhamnosus, L. casei, and L. plantarum, to prevent Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) features
Methods: C57BL/6 female mice were inoculated with Myelin Oigodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) in CFA (complete Freund’s adjuvant) to induce EAE. Five groups (n=6 in each group) of animals received saline or probiotics by oral gavage with 200 µL of lactobacilli (1.5×108 CFU/mL) for 2 weeks before the immunization and during the test for one month.
Results: Histopathological studies showed an increase in infiltration of inflammatory cells and destruction of the myelin membrane in the EAE group but a decrease in inflammatory cells in the probiotic-treated animals. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin [IL]-17 and Interferon [IFN]-γ) concentration in the supernatant of the brain and spinal cord tissues showed a significant increase in the EAE compared with the normal saline group (P<0.01). While in the spinal cord tissue, there was a decrease in IL-17 in those animals treated with the Lacto-mix and Edu + Lacto-mix (P<0.01) and a significant decrease in IFN-γ in those animals that received Edu (P<0.05). Western blot analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and myelin basic protein showed a decrease and increase in treatment and EAE groups, respectively, compared to the normal control group.
Conclusion: Our data suggest that probiotic Enterococcus durans and Lacto-mix prevents EAE, but further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms and their application in preclinical and clinical trials.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Probiotic, Enterococcus durans
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1570-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1570-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
A New and Simple Method for Spinal Cord Injury Induction in Mice
47
56
EN
Zahra
Zeraatpisheh
Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
zeraatpisheh@sums.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-6153-3551
Esmaeil
Mirzaei
Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
e_mirzaei@sums.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-0176-5123
Mohammad
Nami
Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
torabinami@sums.ac.ir
N
0000-0003-1410-5340
Hamed
Alipour
Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
h_alipour@sums.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-1300-8111
Somayeh
Ghasemian
Genetic Laboratory, Shiraz Fertility Center, Shiraz, Iran.
ghasemiansomayeh@yahoo.com
N
Hassan
Azari
Department of Neurosurgery, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
Azari.hassan@ufl.edu
N
0000-0002-8021-3166
Hadi
Aligholi
Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
aligholi@sums.ac.ir
Y
0000-0002-2241-5296
10.32598/bcn.2021.35.3
Introduction: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a devastating disease with poor clinical outcomes. Animal models provide great opportunities to expand our horizons in identifying SCI pathophysiological mechanisms and introducing effective treatment strategies. The present study introduces a new murine contusion model.
Methods: A simple, cheap, and reproducible novel instrument was designed, which consisted of a body part, an immobilization piece, and a bar-shaped weight. The injury was inflicted to the spinal cord using an 8-g weight for 5, 10, or 15 minutes after laminectomy at the T9 level in male C57BL/6 mice. Motor function, cavity formation, cell injury, and macrophage infiltration were evaluated 28 days after injury.
Results: The newly designed instrument minimized adverse spinal movement during injury induction. Moreover, no additional devices, such as a stereotaxic apparatus, were required to stabilize the animals during the surgical procedure. Locomotor activity was deteriorated after injury. Furthermore, tissue damage and cell injury were exacerbated by increasing the duration of weight exertion. In addition, macrophage infiltration around the injured tissue was observed 28 days after injury.
Conclusion: This novel apparatus could induce a controllable SCI with a clear cavity formation in mice. No accessory elements are needed, which can be used in future SCI studies.
Spinal cord injury, Animal models, Mice
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1642-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1642-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Augmenting Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Using Hair Follicle Stem Cells in Rats
57
70
EN
Leila
Beigom Hejazian
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
N
0000-0002-2906-7378
Zeinab
Akbarnejad
ENT and Head & Neck Research Center, The five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
0000-0002-0822-408X
Fatemeh
Moghani Ghoroghi
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
0000-0001-5224-5905
Banafshe
Esmaeilzade
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
esma_8420@yahoo.com
Y
0000-0002-4752-6128
Samira
Chaibakhsh
Eye Research Center, the Five Senses Institute, Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
N
0000-0001-9462-118X
10.32598/bcn.2021.2240.1
Introduction: Cell therapy is the most advanced treatment of peripheral nerve injury. This study aimed to determine the effects of transplantation of hair follicle stem cells on the regeneration of the sciatic nerve injury in rats.
Methods: The bulge region of the rat whisker were isolated and cultured. Morphological and biological features of the cultured bulge cells were observed by light microscopy and immunocytochemistry methods. Percentages of CD34, K15, and nestin cell markers expression were demonstrated by flow cytometry. Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of injury, epineurium, and epineurium with cells in which rat Hair Follicular Stem Cells (rHFSCs) were injected into the site of the nerve cut. HFSCs were labeled with Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), and double-labeling immunofluorescence was performed to study the survival and differentiation of the grafted cells. After 8 weeks, electrophysiological, histological, and immunocytochemical analysis assessments were performed.
Results: Rat hair follicle stem cells are suitable for cell culture, proliferation, and differentiation. The results suggest that transplantation of rat hair follicle stem cells can regenerate sciatic nerve injury; moreover, electrophysiology and histology examinations show that sciatic nerve repair was more effective in the epineurium with cell group than in the other experimental group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The achieved results propose that hair follicle stem cells improve axonal growth and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury.
Peripheral nerve regeneration, Rat hair follicle stem cell, Sciatic nerve
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1708-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1708-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Protective Effect of the Viola spathulata Extract on NCX3 Gene Expression in an Animal Model of Cerebral Ischemia
71
80
EN
Mahmood
Abedinzade
Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
Mahmood.abedinzade@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-9216-7216
Ekram
Mohammadi
Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
ekram.mohammadi@yahoo.com
Y
0000-0003-3436-7460
Mojtaba
Hedayati
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
Mhedayatich@gmail.com
N
Iraj
Nikokar
Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Department of Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
Nikokariraj@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-2665-1050
Korosh
Khanaki
Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
khanaki_korosh_bio@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-0733-6933
Zahra
Bostani
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
z_bostani@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-5531-0506
10.32598/bcn.2021.2030.1
Introduction: Viola plant has been used traditionally to treat neurological disorders. We aimed at determining whether pretreatment with Viola spathulata extract can alleviate the severity of ischemic-reperfusion damages and exert its protective effects through the regulation of a sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX3) gene expression in a rat brain.
Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into two main groups: one main group for evaluating Neurologic Deficit Score (NDS) and Infarct Volume (IV) and the other group for the evaluation of NCX3 gene expression in the brain tissue. The latter group was subdivided into the intact, control (vehicle), sham, V5, and V10. The vehicle (control) subgroup received Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), and V5 and V10 subgroups received V. spathulata extract at the doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg (IP), respectively, for 7 days. After pretreatment, we carried out Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) for 60 min.
Results: In the V5 and V10 subgroups, NDS and IV significantly decreased. MCAO upregulated NCX3 gene expression in the core, penumbra, and subcortical regions compared with the intact subgroup. The V5 subgroup significantly downregulated the NCX3 gene expression level in the core compared with the control subgroup. The V10 subgroup showed downregulation of the NCX3 gene expression level in the core, penumbra, and subcortex compared with the control subgroup.
Conclusion: V. spathulata extract may have a neuroprotective role against MCAO-induced ischemic brain damage, possibly by preventing the alteration of NCX3 gene expression level.
Viola spathulata, Viola extract, Brain ischemia, NCX3 gene, Stroke, Neuroprotective
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1598-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1598-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Comparison of LORETA Z score Neurofeedback and Cognitive Rehabilitation in terms of their Effectiveness in Reducing Craving in Opioid Addicts
81
96
EN
Alireza
Faridi
Department of Clinical Psychology and Addiction Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
arf1347@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-7060-0341
Farhad
Taremian
Department of Clinical Psychology and Addiction Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
fa.taremian@uswr.ac.ir
Y
0000-0002-0736-2608
Robert W
Thatcher
Applied Neuroscience. Inc, Florida, USA.
rwthatcher2@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-0051-7566
Mohsen
Dadashi
Department of Clinical Psychology and Addiction Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
mohsendadashi@zums.ac.ir
N
0000-0001-5088-1158
Reza
Moloodi
Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
re.moloodi@uswr.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-8384-9565
10.32598/bcn.2021.1946.1
Introduction: Previous studies have shown that conventional neurofeedback and cognitive modification treatments have numerous psychological benefits for patients with substance use disorders. However, the effectiveness of LORETA (Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography) Z Score Neurofeedback (LZNFB) and cognitive rehabilitation therapy in reducing opioid craving has not been investigated. Thus, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of LZNFB and cognitive rehabilitation therapy with Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) in reducing craving in patients with opioid use disorder.
Methods: Thirty patients with opioid use disorder undergoing MMT were randomly assigned into three groups: LZNFB with MMT, cognitive rehabilitation with MMT (as experimental groups), and MMT alone control group. The LZNFB and cognitive rehabilitation groups received 20 and 15 sessions of treatment, respectively. The three groups were assessed using several questionnaires and dot-probe task at pretest, posttest, and one-month follow-up.
Results: The results showed that both experimental groups accomplished a significantly greater reduction in opioid craving than MMT alone group at posttest and follow-up (P<0.05). The LZNFB plus MMT group showed a greater decrease in opioid craving than the cognitive rehabilitation plus MMT group. In addition, the cognitive rehabilitation plus MMT group experienced greater improvement in attentional bias towards craving cues than the LZNFB with MMT group at posttest and follow-up. Finally, the LZNFB plus MMT group and cognitive rehabilitation plus MMT group got higher scores on the recovery assessment scale than MMT alone group at posttest and follow-up. According to study results, LZNFB training is more effective than cognitive rehabilitation in decreasing cravings and improving the quality of life in addiction to opioids.
Conclusion: The current study’s findings provided preliminary support for the effectiveness of LZNFB and cognitive rehabilitation in reducing opioid craving, improving attentional bias towards craving cues, and the quality of life among Iranian opioid use patients.
Attentional Bias, Cognition, Rehabilitation, Craving, LORETA Z Score neurofeedback, Methadone , Opioid use disorderr
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1564-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1564-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Role of the Orexinergic System Within the Ventral Tegmental Area in the Development of Sensitization to Morphine Induced by Lateral Hypothalamus Stimulation
97
106
EN
Amir
Haghparast
School of Dentistry, International Branch of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
amir.haghparast@sbmu.ac.ir
Y
0000-0001-5713-8260
Mina
Rashvand
Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mina.rashvand@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-1316-973X
10.32598/bcn.2021.2946.1
Introduction: The Lateral Hypothalamus (LH) has long been known to implicate the addictive behaviors of drug abuse. The Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) is a major area of the mesolimbic system that is strongly involved in developing morphine sensitization. The current study aimed to examine the role of intra-VTA orexin receptors in the LH stimulation-induced sensitization to the antinociceptive response of morphine.
Methods: A total of 114 adult male Wistar rats underwent unilateral implantation of two separate cannulae in the LH and VTA using the stereotaxic apparatus. Intra-VTA administration of the Orexin-1 (OX1) and Orexin-2 (OX2) receptor antagonists, SB334867 and TCS OX2 29 (1, 3, and 10 nM/0.3 μL DMSO), respectively, was performed 5 min before concurrent microinjection of carbachol (250 nM/0.5 μL saline) into the LH and an ineffective dose of morphine (0.5 mg/kg; SC) during a 3-day sensitization period. After a 5-day free drug period, on the ninth day, for assessing the morphine sensitization, the nociceptive response was measured before and after morphine injection (1 mg/kg; SC) using the tail-flick test.
Results: The results revealed that the concurrent administration of carbachol (250 nM) and an ineffective dose of morphine significantly induced morphine sensitization. Besides, the blockade of OX1 and OX2 receptors within the VTA before intra-LH carbachol injection attenuated morphine sensitization.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that LH stimulation potentiates the sensitization to morphine antinociceptive responses via affecting orexin receptors located in the VTA. However, OX1 receptors contribute more than OX2 receptors in the VTA to morphine sensitization in rats.
Morphine, Orexin, Lateral hypothalamus, Ventral tegmental area, Acute pain, Rat
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1955-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1955-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Stachys lavandulifolia on Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures in Male Mice: The Role of GABAergic and Opioidergic Systems
107
116
EN
Hamid
Behzadnia
Department of Neurosurgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
hamidbehzadnia7@gmail.com
N
Amin
Naseri
Department of Neurosurgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
dr.amin_ms84@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-0822-9400
Mohammadreza
Emamhadi
Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
emamhadi42@yahoo.com
N
Shervin
Ghadarjani
Department of Neurosurgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
shervin.gh@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-1540-0600
Iraj
Aghaei
Neuroscience Research Center, Poursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
aghaei@gums.ac.ir
Y
0000-0002-9656-3654
Ahmadreza
Dehpour
Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
dehpour@yahoo.com
N
10.32598/bcn.2021.2299.1
Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Though there are several effective drugs for treating epilepsy, most drugs are associated with side effects and drug interactions. Stachys lavandulifolia used in Iranian traditional medicine has proven anti-anxiety and sedative properties. The current study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of hydroalcoholic extract of S. lavandulifoliaon the Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure in male mice and the role of benzodiazepine and opioid receptors.
Methods: This study was conducted on 100 male mice, randomly categorized into 10 groups: Normal Saline (NS), two diazepam groups (0.025 and 0.1 mg/kg), three S. lavandulifolia extract groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), diazepam 0.025 mg/kg+S. lavandulifolia extract 50 mg/kg, and three groups that pretreated with NS, flumazenil, or naloxone, 5 min before injection of 200 mg/kg S. lavandulifolia extract. After 30 min, PTZ (80 mg/kg) was injected into animals, and seizure indices were evaluated.
Results: The S. lavandulifoliaextract attenuated the PTZ-induced seizures in a dose-dependent manner, and pretreatment with flumazenil reversed this effect. However, pretreatment with naloxone could not reverse this effect because seizure indices in the naloxone pretreated group were lower than that in the normal saline group. The combination of an ineffective dose of diazepam and S. lavandulifoliaextract decreased PTZ-induced seizures.
Conclusion: The results of our study showed the anticonvulsant properties of hydroalcoholic extract of S. lavandulifolia. These effects might be due to the impact of the components of this extract on the central benzodiazepine system.
Stachys lavandulifolia, Pentylenetetrazole, Seizure, Flumazenil, Naloxone
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1682-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1682-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Quantification of Blood-Brain-Barrier Permeability Dysregulation and Inflammatory Activity in MS Lesions by Dynamic-Contrast Enhanced MR Imaging
117
128
EN
Mohammad Ali
Oghabian
Department of Neuroimaging and Analysis, Research Center for Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
oghabian@sian.tums.ac.ir
Y
0000-0002-5909-6030
Asieh
Fatemidokht
Department of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
a_fatemidokht@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-6016-7465
Mohammad Hossein
Haririchian
Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
harirchn@hotmail.com
N
0000-0002-1158-8677
10.32598/bcn.2022.575.1
Introduction: blood-brain-barrier perfusion characterization impaired in MS as some studies have shown recently but a comparison between perfusion parameters in contrast-enhanced and non-enhanced lesions not have been well documented. Pharmacokinetic quantitative parameters have obtained from dynamic contrast-enhanced in magnetic resonance imaging is a useful way to quantify blood-brain barrier permeability leakage.
Methods: MR examination was performed on 28 patients with Relapsing-remitted Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) with (Mean±SD age: 34.7±9.28) which had multiple lesions in the brain.3D dynamic T1-weighted spoiled gradient echo was obtained and Perfusion parameters and its map assessed in enhanced and non-enhanced lesions after intravascular injection differences in parameters and map obtained by analyzing ROI in Extended Toft model.
Results: permeability as measured Krtans was a significantly higher value in CE to compare NE lesions. Ktrans and Kep have significant differences in NAWM and CE and NE lesions. Vb was slightly different in NE and CE lesions.
Conclusion: Permeability measured as Ktrans was the good parameter to show permeability impairment of BBB in CE lesions. Dysregulation in BBB is an acceptable sign to indicate existence inflammation in CE lesions.
Blood-Brain-Barrier, Inflammatory activation, Multiple sclerosis
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1518-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1518-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Verbal Fluency Performance in Normal Adult Population in Iran: Norms and Effects of Age, Education, and Gender
129
138
EN
Saeedeh
Shirdel
School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Saide021@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-8611-4372
Setareh
Esmaeeli
School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
setareh3t@gmail.com
N
Kaveh
Alavi
Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
kavehalavi@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-5414-6126
Pezhman
Mehrdad Ghayem Maghami
Iran Psychiatric Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
dr.ghaemmaghamii@gmail.com
N
0000-0003-3136-8310
Seyed Vahid
Shariat
Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
shariat.v@iums.ac.ir
Y
0000-0001-5086-7719
10.32598/bcn.2021.363.1
Introduction: Verbal fluency is a cognitive function that can be easily assessed at the bedside and provide valuable data for clinical assessment of various cognitive functions. We decided to provide a standardized test to assess verbal fluency in the Persian language, including both phonemic and semantic fluency subtests.
Methods: First, three phonemes (/p/, /d/, and /ʃ/) and three categories (animals, fruits, and kitchen appliances) were selected based on a pilot study and a panel of specialists. Then, we selected 500 Persian-speaking participants (47.8% male) aged 18 to 65 years via a convenient sampling method from the general population. Participants were grouped according to age, gender, and education. They performed the verbal fluency test.
Results: The Mean±SD number of generated words in letter fluency and semantic fluency was 8.3±4.1 and 18.0±5.5, respectively. Age, educational level, and mother tongue were associated with letter fluency. Semantic fluency was associated with age, gender, education level, and mother tongue.
Conclusion: For a more reliable clinical assessment, we suggest using all three letters (phonemes) and three semantic categories for each subject, calculating the mean of the produced words, and comparing them with the suggested cut-off points provided for each subcategory. Age was negatively correlated with the number of generated words in letter fluency (r=-0.33; P<0.001) and semantic fluency tasks (r=-0.26; P<0.001). In the letter fluency task, there was no statistically significant difference between males and females according to the number of generated words (P=0.057). However, in semantic fluency, female participants generated more words (P=0.005). Mother tongue (Farsi) showed a significant effect both on letter fluency (t=5.55, P<0.001) and semantic fluency (t=9.41, P<0.001). Level of education had a significant association with both letter fluency (F=117.23, P<0.001) and semantic fluency (F=64.48, P<0.001).
Neuropsychological tests, Verbal fluency, Persian, Category, Phonemic
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1409-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1409-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
13
1
2022
1
1
Microtubule Disruption Without Learning Impairment in the Unicellular Organism, Paramecium: Implications for Information Processing in Microtubules
139
152
EN
Abolfazl
Alipour
Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
alipour.abolfazl@yahoo.com
N
Gholamreza
Hatam
Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
hatamghr@sums.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-7807-4793
Hassan
Seradj
Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
seradjh@sums.ac.ir
Y
0000-0002-3937-0127
10.32598/bcn.2021.2462.1
Introduction: Information processing in microtubules is an open question that has not been adequately addressed. It was suggested that microtubules could store and process information in the nervous system or even support consciousness. The unicellular organism, Paramecium caudatum, has a microtubular structure but lacks a neuron or neural network. However, it shows intelligent behaviors such as associative learning. This property may suggest that the microtubules are involved in intelligent behavior, information storage, or information processing in this organism.
Methods: To test this hypothesis and study the role of microtubules in P. caudatum learning, we utilized a learning task in which the organism associates brightness in its swimming medium with attractive cathodal shocks. To see if microtubules are an integral part of information storage and processing in P. caudatum, we disrupted the microtubular dynamics in the organism using an antimicrotubular agent (parbendazole).
Results: We observed that while a partial allosteric modulator of GABA (midazolam) could disrupt the learning process in P. caudatum, the antimicrotubular agent could not interfere with the learning.
Conclusion: Microtubules are probably not vital for the learning behavior in P. caudatum. Consequently, our results call for further investigation of the microtubular information processing hypothesis.
Paramecium caudatum, Learning and memory, Microtubules, GABA, Phototaxis, Electrical stimulation
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1737-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1737-en.pdf