European journal of pharmacology
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Migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) are the most common forms of primary headaches. A general key mechanism underlying development of both the diseases is the trigeminal system activation associated with the ascending nociceptive transmission via the trigemino-thalamo-cortical pathway. The ventroposteromedial (VPM) nucleus is a key thalamic structure, receiving afferent inflow from the craniofacial region; it holds the third-order neurons responsible for conveying sensory information from the extra- and intracranial nociceptors to the cortex. ⋯ Cumulative administration of metamizole (thrice-repeated intravenous infusion of 150 mg/kg performed 30 min apart) in 56% of cases produced a suppression of both the ongoing activity of the thalamic VPM neurons and their responses to dural electrical stimulation. Although the inhibitory effect was prevailing, a number of VPM neurons were indifferent to the administration of metamizole. These data suggest that one of the main components of neural mechanism underlying anticephalgic action of metamizole is suppression of the thalamo-cortical nociceptive transmission associated with trigemino-vascular activation.
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NOD-like receptors play a crucial role in host defense against intestinal infection. We explored the regulatory effects of berberine on NLRs during the intestinal mucosal damaging process in rats. Male Sprague-Dawlay (SD) rats were treated with berberine for 5d before undergoing cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce polymicrobiol sepsis. ⋯ The tight junction proteins level, percentage of cell death in intestinal epithelial cells and the mucosal permeability were, on the other hand, significantly elevated in berberine treated rats. The expression of NOD and NLRP3, however, were not significantly affected by berberine treatment. Our results indicate that Pretreatment with berberine attenuates tissue injury and protects the intestinal mucosal barrier in early phase of sepsis but it is likely that the mechanisms of this preventive effect do not involve the NLR pathway.