XXX Annual Meeting of Indian Academy of Neurosciences (IAN)

October 27 - 30, 2012

Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India

Translational Neuroscience:

Unraveling Mysteries of Brain in Health and Disease

Official Journal of Indian Academy of Neurosciences

Organised byDeparment of BiotechnologyGuru Nanak Dev University

Amritsar-143005INDIA

ANNALS OF NEUROSCIENCES VOLUME 19 SUPPL OCTOBER 2012

ANNALS OF NEUROSCIENCES VOLUME 19 SUPPL OCTOBER 2012 www.annalsofneurosciences.org

38ANNALS R E S A R T I C L E ANNALSABSTRACTS

Abstracts: XXX Annual Meeting of Indian Academy of Neurosciences, October 27th - 30th, 2012, Amritsar, INDIA

sociated with cytomorphological changes of neurons. Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of simulated mi-

crogravity (SMg) on CA-1 hippocampal neuronal cytomorphometry.

Methods: Male rats (225-275 g) were exposed to SMg for 14-days

using standard Hind-limb suspension protocol (HLS); free moving

normal cage rats were used as control. Rat brains were removed

after the experiment; nissl staining, Golgi-Cox staining and trans-

mission electron microscopy were done on hippocampal CA-1 neu-

rons. Data from experimental and control groups were statistically

analyzed applying unpaired t-test and P ≤ 0.05 was considered

significant. Studies were concluded on 5/6 sets of 2 animals each.

Result: The mean area [nissl staining (119.40 ± 2.73 µm2), golgi

staining (165.13 ± 3.86 µm2)], mean synaptic cleft (21.01 ± 0.34 nm

) and mean length of active zone (223.52 ± 4.39 nm) of CA-1 hip-

pocampal neurons decreased significantly in SMg treated rats com-

pared to control [ nissl staining (148.85 ± 3.63 µm2), golgi staining

(214.61 ± 6.16 µm2), synaptic cleft (25.41 ± 0.14 nm), active zone

(267.82 ± 6.06 nm)]. However, dendritic arborisation and number

of spines increased in SMg group as compared to control. Further,

mean thickness of the post synaptic density remained unaltered.

Conclusion: SMg exposure affects neuronal morphology and con-

nectivity. The changes may be compensatory effects generated by

the microgravity. Resultmay be useful to explore countermeasures

and effective prevention for the astronauts exposed to microgravity.

Ethical Statement: All the protocols were approved by the Institutional Animal

Ethical committee, Compliance to ICMJE Regulations: Yes, Funding Source:

Funding from DBT, CSIR and DST-FIST are acknowledged, Competing Inter-

est: None, Date of Submission: 31/8/12, Date of Acceptance: 22/9/12

P20

REGULATION OF miR-143/145 CLUSTER IN PHOTORECEPTOR DEVEL-

OPMENT

S. Sreekanth, A.V. Das

Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, INDIA

Background: miRNAs are known to be involved in pathogenesis

of various diseases, including degenerative diseases. There are

evidences that miRNAs play an important role in the regulation of

retinal neurogenesis. Purpose: To elucidate the role of miR clus-

ter 143/145 in photoreceptor fate specification and its regulation

during photoreceptor generation. Methods: Pre-miR sequences

of miR-143 and miR-145 were cloned in expression vector pRip

and were used for over-expression and target interaction studies.

miR-target interactions were studied by luciferase and FACS as-

says. Photoreceptor differentiation was examined by western blot/

immunocytochemical/RT-PCR analyses. To understand the regula-

tion of miR cluster 143/145, the prospective promoter region was

cloned into luciferase reporter vector and transfected along with

expression vectors of transcription factors in HEK293T cells and

the interaction was analyzed by luciferase assay. Result: mir-143

and miR-145 could bind and negatively regulate Nrl, a rod pho-

toreceptor specific transcription factor thereby decreasing pho-

toreceptor differentiation. Expression of both miRs was reduced

during photoreceptor generation, suggesting the existence of an

in vivo mechanism to regulate miR cluster 143/145 expression

during photoreceptor generation. Our preliminary promoter assays

suggested a role for Pax6, the master controller of genes in eye

development, in regulating miR143/145 promoter. Conclusion:

Our preliminary data suggest that miR cluster 143/145 has a sig-

nificant role in the regulation of photoreceptor development and

fate specification.

Ethical Statement: This study was performed in strict accordance with the

recommendations for the care and use of laboratory animals. All the protocols

were duly approved by the institutional Ethical committee, Compliance to

ICMJE Regulations: Yes, Funding Source: DST, RGCB intramural funding,

Competing Interest: None, Date of Submission: 30/8/12, Date of Accep-

tance: 22/9/12

P21

MOLECULAR DYNAMICS OF TAU PROTEIN IN CORRELATION WITH AL-

ZHEIMER’S DISEASE

D.Shine, R.Ankita, J.Shalaka

Padmashree Dr. D.Y.Patil University, Department of Biotechnology and Bioin-

formatics, Navi Mumbai, INDIA

Background: The abnormal aggregation of the microtubule-asso-

ciated protein Tau into paired helical filaments is the hallmarks of

Alzheimer disease (AD). Purpose: To understand the aggregation

and the different kinds of interactions between two Tau isoforms

and between one Tau protein and Microtubule. Methods: A com-

parative molecular dynamics simulation study was conducted to

investigate the conformations between two isoforms and with the

microtubule as well as between phosphorylated Tau protein and

non-phosphorylated Tau isoform. Result: The result of this study

is based on three simulations viz., between two isoforms, a com-

plex of microtubule and tau which gives the binding domain details

and hydrogen bond interaction & between phosphorylated Tau and

non-phosphorylated isoform, which gives the details of interactions

between the two. A 5ns MD simulation was performed on indi-

vidual isoforms and was equilibrated at 100 ps and the molecular

coordinates were saved every 2 ps. The hydrogen bonding pattern

was observed in phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms.

The phosphorylated isoforms hydrogen bond with microtubule and

forms a favorable complex. This will also reveal a comparison be-

tween the docking studies of Tau aggregation inhibitor and one of

its modified analogues. Conclusion: Molecular dynamics studies

on Tau protein can help in scrutinizing the distribution, motion and

help in developing a drug and pursuing this forte` will be a great step

ahead in drug discovery.

Ethical Statement: No human subjects or animals or stem cells were used

for the following study, Compliance to ICMJE Regulations: Yes, Funding

Source: None, Competing Interest: None, Date of Submission: 4/9/12,

Date of Acceptance: 22/9/12

P22

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FUMARIA INDICA EXTRACTS FOR ANALGE-

SIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY IN RODENTS

A. Shakya, S.S. Chatterjee, V. Kumar

Department of Pharmaceutics, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu

University), Varanasi-221 005, UP, INDIA; Stettiner Str. 1, D-76138 Karlsruhe,

GERMANY; Department of Pharmaceutics, Indian Institute of Technology

(Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, INDIA

Background: Fumaria indica also known as Fumitory, indicated

in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine for dermatological

diseases, cardio vascular complaints, neurological disorders, fe-

ver and headache.Purpose:To compare efficacy of standardised

ethanolic (EFI) and methanolic (MFI) extract of Fumaria indica for

its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Methods: The ef-

fect of single and repeated (for 5 and 10 days) doses (15, 30,

60, 120 and 240 mg/kg/day, p.o.) of standardised EFI and MFI

(chemically characterised for fumarate content i.e. 0.8% w/w and

2.03% w/w, respectively) were evaluated through hot plate reac-

tion time in mice and carrageenan induced pedal edema in rats.

Result: Single and repeated (for 5 and 10 days) doses of both

extracts were demonstrated dose dependent analgesic and anti-

inflammatory effect. However, at 15 mg/kg/day dose level these

effects were not statistically significant, unlike other four dose

levels used in the study. The effects of MFI were more significant

www.annalsofneurosciences.org ANNALS OF NEUROSCIENCES VOLUME 19 SUPPL OCTOBER 2012

39ANNALS R E S A R T I C L E

ANNALSABSTRACTS

Abstracts: XXX Annual Meeting of Indian Academy of Neurosciences, October 27th - 30th, 2012, Amritsar, INDIA

(p<0.05) than EFI at dose levels 120 and 240 mg/kg/day in single

dose administration and at dose levels 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg/

day in repeated dose administration. Conclusion: Although both

the extracts of the Fumaria indica showed significant analgesic

and anti-inflammatory activity in dose dependent manner, but

more fumarate enriched ethanolic extract was found to be more

potent.

Ethical Statement: This study was performed in strict accordance with the

recommendations for the care and use of laboratory animals (NIH publication

number 85-23, revised 1985). Study protocols were duly approved by the

Central Animal EthicalCommittee of the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi,

Compliance to ICMJE Regulations: Yes, Funding Source: UGC Fellow-

ship-Banaras Hindu University, Competing Interest: None, Date of Submis-

sion: 27/8/12, Date of Acceptance: 22/9/12

P23

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

Anudeep kaur, Rajbir kaur Bhatti, Samreen Kaur Randhawa, Parvirti Dhil-

lon, Karandeep Singh, J.S. Gumber

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar;

G.N.D.U Amritsar; G.N.D.U Amritsar; Infosys Chandigarh; Gumber eye care,

Amritsar, INDIA

Background: Computer Vision Syndrome is a complex of eye and

vision problems occuring due to continous computer use and it is

characterised by eye strain, headache, blurred vision, neck pain,

redness in eyes. Purpose: To study the Prevalnce, knowledge and

Attitude towards Computer Vision syndrome among the computer

professionals. Methods: A random survey using 18 spot question-

naire was carried out on regular computer users at Infosys Chandi-

garh in august 12. Result: On an average among 50 individuals 43

were aware of computer vision syndrome and 30% were suffering

from it and about 96% consulted doctor.Among these the pre-

senting symptoms were headache(96%),eye strain(86%),tiredness

& neck pain (75%), dry eyes (23%), redness in eyes (21%). It

was reported that focusing from the distance to near and vice

versa(p=0.004)and blurred vision(P=0.016)also formed a part of

this syndrome.The main mode of treatment used by them is lu-

bricant eye drops(91%)and spectacles(94%).Computer user were

likely to take sedatives(P=0.04),pain killers (P=0.03). Individuals

working without any break were at greater risk. Conclusion: It was

concluded that all the individuals who responded were not aware

of computer vision syndrome. On an average 86% were aware of

it and 30% were suffering from it and about 96% had consulted

doctor.

Ethical Statement: None, Compliance to ICMJE Regulations: Yes,

Funding Source: None, Competing Interest: None, Date of Submission:

10/9/12, Date of Acceptance: 22/9/12

P24

DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE IN THE TELEN-

CEPHALON OF AN INDIAN AIR BREATHING TELEOST HETEROPNEUS-

TES FOSSILIS

Anurag Tripathi and Matiur Rahman

Ranchi college, Ranchi university, Ranchi-834008, INDIA; 2Doranda college,

Ranchi, INDIA

Background: The range of variation in brain structure across te-

leosts, particularly fore brain is extremely broad. Reports about

distribution of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) in fish brain are only

partial.Purpose: Present study was carried out to map the differ-

ent sub divisions of telencephalon for AChE intensity. Methods:

Brains of adult male Heteropneustes fossilis were dissected out

through perfusion in solution comprising 0.5% paraformaldeyde

and 1.5% gluteraldehyde in 0.1M phosphate buffer. Brains were

sliced at 30 micrometer thickness by cryocut at -22 degree centi-

grade. Sections were then processed for AChE staining technique

described by Hedreen J.C. et. al.(1985) Result: Deep brown co-

loured patches in sections after processing indicate AChE locali-

sation. In the pallium, medial nucleus (Dm) showed intense activity

while dorsal (Dd) and lateral (Dl) nuclei demonstrated mild activity.

In contrast, central nucleus (Dc) showed negativity. In the sub pal-

lium most of the nuclei including dorsal (Vd), ventral (Vv), poste-

rior (Vp), and supracommisural (Vs) exhibited strong reaction. In

addition anterior commissure showed negativily stained nuclei

with non cholinergic centres.Conclusion: Intensely stained nuclei

demarcate cholinergic centres while less intense nuclei represent

cholinoceptive neurons. Where as negatively stained nuclei show

non cholinergic centres.

Ethical Statement: Since animal model is an edible fish no ethical permission

required, Compliance to ICMJE Regulations: Yes, Funding Source:UGC

mrp no-psj-07/10-11 (ERO), Competing Interest: None, Date of Submis-

sion: 8/9/12, Date of Acceptance: 22/9/12

P25

IN VIVO EFFECTS OF 17β-ESTRADIOL ON THE ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME

ACTIVITIES IN BRAIN AREAS OF SPRAGUE-DAWLEY FEMALE RATS.

Anushree.P.Patil, Himanshu Sharma, Miti Mishra, Uday P. Pundir,

Hannah.P.Priyanka and Srinivasan ThyagaRajan

Integrative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio-

engineering, SRM University, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, INDIA

Background: Alterations in gonadal hormones reproductive ag-

ing and age-related accumulation of free radicals lead to central

and peripheral neuronal atrophy and neurodegenerative diseases.

Purpose: To investigate the role of 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment

on AOE activities and extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Meth-

ods: Early middle-aged (8-9-month old) female Sprague-Dawley

rats were ovariectomised and E2 pellets (0.6 µg and 300 µg) were

implanted s.c. for a period of 30 days. After the treatment, the

rats were sacrificed and brain areas [striatum, hippocampus, fron-

tal cortex, and medial basal hypothalamus (MBH)] were isolated

and assayed for AOE [catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glu-

tathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-s-transferase (GST)] and

extent of lipid peroxidation. Result: SOD activity was decreased

significantly in E2 low dose in MBH and frontal cortex whereas

its activity decreased significantly in E2 high dose with respect

to young control. Calatase activity significantly increased in E2

low dose in all brain parts except MBH. GPx activity decreased

significantly in E2-treated rats in striatum whereas significant in-

crease in GST activity is seen in hippocampus compared to young

control respectively. Age-associated increase in the extent of lipid

peroxidation was also reversed in frontal cortex and MBH of E2-

treated rats. Conclusion: Thus, estrogen may exert dose-depen-

dent neuroprotective functions through selective modulation of

AOE activities.

Ethical Statement: Approved by the college Ethical committee, Compliance

to ICMJE Regulations: Yes, Funding Source: DST Grant- F. NO. SR/SO/HS-

46/2007, Competing Interest: None, Date of Submission: 31/8/12, Date of

Acceptance: 22/9/12

P26

MECHANISMS UNDERLYING THE AUGMENTATION OF PHENYLBIGU-

ANIDE AND CAPSAICIN INDUCED CARDIORESPIRATORY REFLEXES

BY MESOBUTHUS TAMULUS VENOM.

Abhaya Dutta, Aparna Akella, Shripad B. Deshpande

Department of Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu Uni-

versity, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, INDIA

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.t~ xxx Annual Conference of Indian Academy of ~~.~ Neurosciences (-IAN)& ~c.s Internaitonal Symposium on Translational Neurosciences: ~

Unraveling Mysteries of Brain in Health and Disease ~

October 27-30, 2012

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

CERTIFICATE

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Prof. Gurcharan KaurOrganising Secretary

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