Anti-CCKAR (C-terminal) polyclonal antibody

Evidence suggests that nerve growth factor (NGF) may have antidepressant properties but the pharmacological mechanisms remain unknown. Previously, we found that NGF improved performance in the forced swim test in Flinders Sensitive Line rats, but did not appear to have similar biochemical actions with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Gene expression profiles for neurotransmitter receptors and regulator-related genes in the amygdala/hippocampus were determined in rats treated for 14 days with NGF, fluoxetine, amitriptyline, or saline. Gene expression was measured using an RT2 profiler PCR Array System to determine the basis for this effect. Compared with saline, there were numerous genes with significantly altered mRNA levels in the amygdala/hippocampal region. Overlap was found between the mRNA levels of genes altered by NGF and the two antidepressant medications including genes related to the cholinergic and dopaminergic systems. However, decreased mRNA levels of Drd5, Sstr3, Htr3a, and Cckar genes in the amygdala/hippocampus were uniquely regulated by NGF. The results of this study are consistent with a previous conclusion that the antidepressant effects of NGF are mediated through non-traditional receptors for traditionally considered neurotransmitters and may suggest a particular utility of NGF in treating comorbid depression and addiction. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

AIM: To investigate the role of caveolin-3 (CAV3) and cholecystokinin A receptor (CCKAR) in cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD). METHODS: To establish a mouse model of CGD, male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a lithogenic diet containing 1.0% cholic acid, 1.25% cholesterol and 15% fat; a similar control group was given a normal diet. The fresh liver weights and liver-to-body weight ratio were compared between the two groups after one month. Serum lipid profile and bile composition were determined with an autoanalyzer. The Cav3 and Cckar mRNA and CAV3 and CCKAR protein levels in the liver and gallbladder were determined via real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Establishment of the mouse CGD model was verified by the presence of cholesterol gallstones in mice fed the lithogenic diet. Compared with mice maintained on a normal diet, those fed the lithogenic diet had significantly higher mean liver-to-body weight ratio (0.067 +/- 0.007 vs 0.039 +/- 0.007, P < 0.01), serum total cholesterol (4.22 +/- 0.46 mmol/L vs 2.21 +/- 0.11 mmol/L, P < 0.001), bile total cholesterol (1.33 +/- 0.33 mmol/L vs 0.21 +/- 0.11 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and bile phospholipid concentrations (3.55 +/- 1.40 mmol/L vs 1.55 +/- 0.63 mmol/L, P = 0.04), but lower total bile acid concentrations (726.48 +/- 51.83 mu mol/L vs 839.83 +/- 23.74 mu mol/L, P = 0.007). The lithogenic diet was also associated with significantly lower CAV3 in the liver and lower CAV3 and CCKAR in the gallbladder compared with the control mice (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CAV3 and CCKAR may be involved in cholesterol gallstone disease. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.