RESUMO
Skin lesions are normal to all species, regardless of gender or age. The skin, the largest organ of the body, has function as a primary barrier to the chemical, physical and biological aggressions of the environment. In animals, these lesions may be due to fights and/or predations, also as in humans, there is a very common cause of dermal lesions that are caused by burns and carcinomas. Looking for new techniques of tissue bioengineering, studies have been shown promising results for formulations of acellular biological scaffolds from tissue decellularization for the reconstitution of these lesions. The decellularization has its proof by a varied range of tests such as scanning electron microscopy and residual genomic DNA tests. Subsequently the tissue can go through the process of recellularization using cells of interest, even the animal that will receive this tissue, reducing the risks of rejection and improving the response to tissue transplantation. Thus, this manuscript aimed at the decellularization of the tissue with the use of chemical and physical means followed by sterilization and the establishment of a protocol for the recellularization of a decellularized scaffold from the Wistar rat dermis using murine fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells from canine adipose tissue for 7 days. After efficacy tests, the tissue recellularization were confirmed by immunofluorescence assays and scanning electron microscopy where the adherence of the cells in the biological scaffold was observed.
Assuntos
Derme , Fibroblastos/fisiologia , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/fisiologia , Engenharia Tecidual/métodos , Alicerces Teciduais , Animais , Cães , Camundongos , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
The species of the genus Smilax, popularly known as sarsaparilla, are widely used in folk medicine due to the antirheumatic properties of its underground structures. Smilax fluminensis and S. syphilitica occur in forested areas and form thickened stems called rhizophores from which adventitious roots grow. To provide information for more accurate identification of the commercialised product and for elucidating the process of stem thickening, a morphology and anatomy study of the underground organs of the two species was conducted. The adventitious roots differ in colour and diameter depending on the stage of development. They are white and have a larger diameter in the early stages of development, but as they grow, the adventitious roots become brown and have a smaller diameter due to the disintegration of the epidermis and virtually the entire cortex. In brown roots, the covering function is then performed by the lignified endodermis and the remaining walls of the cells from the last parenchyma cortical layer. These results are similar to those found in studies of other Smilax and suggest that the anatomy of the roots can be useful for identifying fraud in commercialised materials. The thickening process of the nodal regions of the rhizophores in both species involves the activity of axillary buds and pericyclic layers.
Assuntos
Smilax/anatomia & histologia , Brasil , Raízes de Plantas/anatomia & histologiaRESUMO
The species of the genus Smilax, popularly known as sarsaparilla, are widely used in folk medicine due to the antirheumatic properties of its underground structures. Smilax fluminensis and S. syphilitica occur in forested areas and form thickened stems called rhizophores from which adventitious roots grow. To provide information for more accurate identification of the commercialised product and for elucidating the process of stem thickening, a morphology and anatomy study of the underground organs of the two species was conducted. The adventitious roots differ in colour and diameter depending on the stage of development. They are white and have a larger diameter in the early stages of development, but as they grow, the adventitious roots become brown and have a smaller diameter due to the disintegration of the epidermis and virtually the entire cortex. In brown roots, the covering function is then performed by the lignified endodermis and the remaining walls of the cells from the last parenchyma cortical layer. These results are similar to those found in studies of other Smilax and suggest that the anatomy of the roots can be useful for identifying fraud in commercialised materials. The thickening process of the nodal regions of the rhizophores in both species involves the activity of axillary buds and pericyclic layers.(AU)
As espécies de Smilax, conhecidas popularmente como salsaparrilha, são amplamente utilizadas na medicina tradicional devido às propriedades antirreumáticas das estruturas subterrâneas. Smilax fluminensis e S. syphilitica ocorrem em áreas florestais e formam caules espessados denominados rizóforos a partir dos quais são emitidas raízes adventícias. Com o intuito de fornecer informações para a identificação mais precisa do material comercializado e no entendimento do processo de espessamento do caule, foi realizado o estudo morfológico e anatômico dos órgãos subterrâneos das duas espécies. As raízes adventícias apresentam diferenças na coloração e no diâmetro dependendo da fase de desenvolvimento. As raízes nas fases iniciais do desenvolvimento são brancas e possuem diâmetro maior, porém com o desenvolvimento, devido à desintegração da epiderme e de praticamente todo o córtex, as raízes tornam-se marrons e de diâmetro menor. Nas raízes marrons, a função de revestimento passa a ser exercida pela endoderme lignificada e pelas paredes remanescentes das células da penúltima camada cortical. Os resultados são semelhantes aos encontrados nos estudos de outras Smilax e sugerem que a anatomia das raízes pode ser útil na identificação de fraudes em materiais comercializados. O processo de espessamento das regiões nodais dos rizóforos nas duas espécies envolve a atividade das gemas axilares e de camadas pericíclicas.(AU)
Assuntos
Smilax/anatomia & histologia , Raízes de Plantas/anatomia & histologia , BrasilRESUMO
Julocroton triqueter extracts have antileishmanial activity; however, the effect on genetic stability has not been studied. We evaluated genotoxic and cell death induction potential (in vitro and in vivo) of J. triqueter var. triqueter hydroalcoholic extracts, as well as their antigenotoxic potential in vivo. The in vitro genotoxic studies were performed using human leukocytes at four different concentrations. For the in vivo tests, Swiss mice were treated with 125, 250 or 500 mg/kg of extract injected intraperitoneally. Antigenotoxic effects of the extract were measured before and after cyclophosphamide treatment. An absence of genotoxic effects was observed both in vitro and in vivo. In the antigenotoxic studies, no significant difference was observed between the treatments and the positive control, indicating that the extracts did not protect against damage caused by cyclophosphamide. Hydroalcoholic extracts of J. triqueter did not provoke DNA damage at concentrations and doses normally used for antileishmanial treatment; however, they reduced apoptotic cell death and induced necrotic cell death.
Assuntos
Antiprotozoários/toxicidade , Croton/química , Leishmania/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/toxicidade , Animais , Antiprotozoários/química , Morte Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Ensaio Cometa , Feminino , Humanos , Leucócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Leucócitos/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Testes de Mutagenicidade , Extratos Vegetais/químicaRESUMO
The genus Smilax (Smilacaceae) includes species of medicinal interest; consequently, their identification is important for the control of raw material used in the manufacture of phytotherapeutic products. We investigated the karyotype of Smilax rufescens in order to look for patterns that would be useful for comparative studies of this genus. To accomplish this, we developed procedures to grow plants and optimize root pretreatment with mitotic fuse inhibitors to obtain metaphase spreads showing clear chromosome morphology. The karyotype, analyzed in Feulgen-stained preparations, was asymmetric, with N = 16 chromosomes gradually decreasing in size; the larger ones were subtelocentric and the smaller chromosomes were submetacentric or metacentric. Nearly terminal secondary constrictions were visualized on the short arm of chromosome pairs 7, 11, and 14, but they were clearly detected only in one of the homologues of each pair. The nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) were mapped by silver staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization of 45S rDNA probes. Silver signals (Ag-NORs) colocalized with rDNA loci were detected at the termini of the short arm of 6 chromosomes. The secondary constriction heteromorphism observed in Feulgen-stained metaphases suggests that differential rRNA gene expression between homologous rDNA loci can occur, resulting in different degrees of chromatin decondensation. In addition, a heteromorphic chromosome pair was identified and was interpreted as being a sex chromosome pair in this dioecious species.
Assuntos
Mapeamento Cromossômico , Cromossomos de Plantas , DNA Ribossômico , Cariótipo , RNA Ribossômico , Smilax/genética , Hibridização in Situ Fluorescente , FenótipoRESUMO
Myosin Va functions as a processive, actin-based motor molecule highly enriched in the nervous system, which transports and/or tethers organelles, vesicles, and mRNA and protein translation machinery. Mutation of myosin Va leads to Griscelli disease that is associated with severe neurological deficits and a short life span. Despite playing a critical role in development, the expression of myosin Va in the central nervous system throughout the human life span has not been reported. To address this issue, the cerebellar expression of myosin Va from newborns to elderly humans was studied by immunohistochemistry using an affinity-purified anti-myosin Va antibody. Myosin Va was expressed at all ages from the 10th postnatal day to the 98 th year of life, in molecular, Purkinje and granular cerebellar layers. Cerebellar myosin Va expression did not differ essentially in localization or intensity from childhood to old age, except during the postnatal developmental period. Structures resembling granules and climbing fibers in Purkinje cells were deeply stained. In dentate neurons, long processes were deeply stained by anti-myosin Va, as were punctate nuclear structures. During the first postnatal year, myosin Va was differentially expressed in the external granular layer (EGL). In the EGL, proliferating prospective granule cells were not stained by anti-myosin Va antibody. In contrast, premigratory granule cells in the EGL stained moderately. Granule cells exhibiting a migratory profile in the molecular layer were also moderately stained. In conclusion, neuronal myosin Va is developmentally regulated, and appears to be required for cerebellar function from early postnatal life to senescence.
Assuntos
Cerebelo/metabolismo , Miosina Tipo V/metabolismo , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Cadáver , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Eletroforese em Gel de Ágar , Feminino , Humanos , Immunoblotting , Imuno-Histoquímica , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Myosin Va functions as a processive, actin-based motor molecule highly enriched in the nervous system, which transports and/or tethers organelles, vesicles, and mRNA and protein translation machinery. Mutation of myosin Va leads to Griscelli disease that is associated with severe neurological deficits and a short life span. Despite playing a critical role in development, the expression of myosin Va in the central nervous system throughout the human life span has not been reported. To address this issue, the cerebellar expression of myosin Va from newborns to elderly humans was studied by immunohistochemistry using an affinity-purified anti-myosin Va antibody. Myosin Va was expressed at all ages from the 10th postnatal day to the 98th year of life, in molecular, Purkinje and granular cerebellar layers. Cerebellar myosin Va expression did not differ essentially in localization or intensity from childhood to old age, except during the postnatal developmental period. Structures resembling granules and climbing fibers in Purkinje cells were deeply stained. In dentate neurons, long processes were deeply stained by anti-myosin Va, as were punctate nuclear structures. During the first postnatal year, myosin Va was differentially expressed in the external granular layer (EGL). In the EGL, proliferating prospective granule cells were not stained by anti-myosin Va antibody. In contrast, premigratory granule cells in the EGL stained moderately. Granule cells exhibiting a migratory profile in the molecular layer were also moderately stained. In conclusion, neuronal myosin Va is developmentally regulated, and appears to be required for cerebellar function from early postnatal life to senescence.
Assuntos
Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Cerebelo/metabolismo , Miosina Tipo V/metabolismo , Fatores Etários , Cadáver , Eletroforese em Gel de Ágar , Immunoblotting , Imuno-HistoquímicaRESUMO
Angiotensins (Angs) modulate blood pressure, hydro-electrolyte composition, and antinociception. Although Ang (5-8) has generally been considered to be inactive, we show here that Ang (5-8) was the smallest Ang to elicit dose-dependent responses and receptor-mediated antinociception in the rat ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter (vlPAG). Ang (5-8) antinociception seems to be selective, because it did not alter blood pressure or act on vascular or intestinal smooth muscle cells. The non-selective Ang-receptor (Ang-R) antagonist saralasin blocked Ang (5-8) antinociception, but selective antagonists of Ang-R types I, II, IV, and Mas did not, suggesting that Ang (5-8) may act via an unknown receptor. Endopeptidase EP 24.11 and amastatin-sensitive aminopeptidase from the vlPAG catalyzed the synthesis (from Ang II or Ang III) and inactivation of Ang (5-8), respectively. Selective inhibitors of neuronal-nitric oxide (NO) synthase, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and a non-selective opioid receptor (opioid-R) inhibitor blocked Ang (5-8)-induced antinociception. In conclusion, Ang (5-8) is a new member of the Ang family that selectively and strongly modulates antinociception via NO-sGC and endogenous opioid in the vlPAG.
Assuntos
Angiotensina I/farmacologia , Guanilato Ciclase/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Nociceptividade/efeitos dos fármacos , Peptídeos Opioides/metabolismo , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/farmacologia , Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal/efeitos dos fármacos , Receptores Citoplasmáticos e Nucleares/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Antagonistas de Receptores de Angiotensina/farmacologia , Animais , Aorta/efeitos dos fármacos , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Frequência Cardíaca/fisiologia , Masculino , Contração Muscular/efeitos dos fármacos , Músculo Liso/efeitos dos fármacos , Peptídeos Opioides/antagonistas & inibidores , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Saralasina/farmacologia , Guanilil Ciclase Solúvel , Teprotida/farmacologiaRESUMO
The Atlantic Rain forest, which is considered the second largest pluvial forest in the American continent, has had an estimated 93% of its original area destroyed. Although studies concerning the herpetofaunal diversity in this biome have been intensified in the past years, its diversity is still underestimated. The Nucleo Experimental de Iguaba Grande (NEIG) is included in an Environmental Protection Area (APA de Sapeatiba) in the Iguaba Grande municipality, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil (22º 51' S and 42º 10' W). The goal of this study was to conduct an inventory of the reptile and amphibian species that occur in this area between July 2008 and December 2009. We recorded 19 species of amphibians (18 anurans and one caecilian) and 15 species of reptiles (three lizards, 11 snakes and one amphisbaenian). Leptodactylus latrans and L. mystacinus had the highest capture rates among amphibians captured, and among reptiles, Ameiva ameiva, Hemidactylus mabouia and Mabuya agilis had the highest capture rates. Rarefaction curves for both amphibians and reptiles did not reach the asymptote, indicating that the species richness in the NEIG is still underestimated.
Assuntos
Anfíbios/classificação , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Répteis/classificação , Árvores , Animais , Brasil , Densidade Demográfica , Dinâmica PopulacionalRESUMO
The objective of this study was to observe possible interactions between the renin-angiotensin and nitrergic systems in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in newborn piglets. Thirteen chronically instrumented newborn piglets (6.3 ± 0.9 days; 2369 ± 491 g) were randomly assigned to receive saline (placebo, P) or the AT(1) receptor (AT(1)-R) blocker L-158,809 (L) during 6 days of hypoxia (FiO(2) = 0.12). During hypoxia, pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa; P < 0.0001), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; P < 0.02) and the pulmonary to systemic vascular resistance ratio (PVR/SVR; P < 0.05) were significantly attenuated in the L (N = 7) group compared to the P group (N = 6). Western blot analysis of lung proteins showed a significant decrease of endothelial NOS (eNOS) in both P and L animals, and of AT(1)-R in P animals during hypoxia compared to normoxic animals (C group, N = 5; P < 0.01 for all groups). AT(1)-R tended to decrease in L animals. Inducible NOS (iNOS) did not differ among P, L, and C animals and iNOS immunohistochemical staining in macrophages was significantly more intense in L than in P animals (P < 0.01). The vascular endothelium showed moderate or strong eNOS and AT(1)-R staining. Macrophages and pneumocytes showed moderate or strong iNOS and AT(1)-R staining, but C animals showed weak iNOS and AT(1)-R staining. Macrophages of L and P animals showed moderate and weak AT(2)-R staining, respectively, but the endothelium of all groups only showed weak staining. In conclusion, pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia in newborn piglets is partially attenuated by AT(1)-R blockade. We suggest that AT(1)-R blockade might act through AT(2)-R and/or Mas receptors and the nitrergic system in the lungs of hypoxemic newborn piglets.
Assuntos
Bloqueadores do Receptor Tipo 1 de Angiotensina II/uso terapêutico , Anti-Hipertensivos/uso terapêutico , Hipertensão Pulmonar/tratamento farmacológico , Hipóxia/complicações , Imidazóis/uso terapêutico , Óxido Nítrico Sintase/efeitos dos fármacos , Tetrazóis/uso terapêutico , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Doença Crônica , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Hipertensão Pulmonar/etiologia , Hipertensão Pulmonar/metabolismo , Imuno-Histoquímica , Óxido Nítrico Sintase/metabolismo , Artéria Pulmonar/efeitos dos fármacos , Suínos , Resistência Vascular/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The objective of this study was to observe possible interactions between the renin-angiotensin and nitrergic systems in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in newborn piglets. Thirteen chronically instrumented newborn piglets (6.3 ± 0.9 days; 2369 ± 491 g) were randomly assigned to receive saline (placebo, P) or the AT1 receptor (AT1-R) blocker L-158,809 (L) during 6 days of hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.12). During hypoxia, pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa; P < 0.0001), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; P < 0.02) and the pulmonary to systemic vascular resistance ratio (PVR/SVR; P < 0.05) were significantly attenuated in the L (N = 7) group compared to the P group (N = 6). Western blot analysis of lung proteins showed a significant decrease of endothelial NOS (eNOS) in both P and L animals, and of AT1-R in P animals during hypoxia compared to normoxic animals (C group, N = 5; P < 0.01 for all groups). AT1-R tended to decrease in L animals. Inducible NOS (iNOS) did not differ among P, L, and C animals and iNOS immunohistochemical staining in macrophages was significantly more intense in L than in P animals (P < 0.01). The vascular endothelium showed moderate or strong eNOS and AT1-R staining. Macrophages and pneumocytes showed moderate or strong iNOS and AT1-R staining, but C animals showed weak iNOS and AT1-R staining. Macrophages of L and P animals showed moderate and weak AT2-R staining, respectively, but the endothelium of all groups only showed weak staining. In conclusion, pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia in newborn piglets is partially attenuated by AT1-R blockade. We suggest that AT1-R blockade might act through AT2-R and/or Mas receptors and the nitrergic system in the lungs of hypoxemic newborn piglets.
Assuntos
Animais , Bloqueadores do Receptor Tipo 1 de Angiotensina II/uso terapêutico , Hipóxia/complicações , Anti-Hipertensivos/uso terapêutico , Hipertensão Pulmonar/tratamento farmacológico , Imidazóis/uso terapêutico , Óxido Nítrico Sintase/efeitos dos fármacos , Tetrazóis/uso terapêutico , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Doença Crônica , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Hipertensão Pulmonar/etiologia , Hipertensão Pulmonar/metabolismo , Imuno-Histoquímica , Óxido Nítrico Sintase/metabolismo , Artéria Pulmonar/efeitos dos fármacos , Suínos , Resistência Vascular/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Myosin Va is an actin-based, processive molecular motor protein highly enriched in the nervous tissue of vertebrates. It has been associated with processes of cellular motility, which include organelle transport and neurite outgrowth. The in vivo expression of myosin Va protein in the developing nervous system of mammals has not yet been reported. We describe here the immunolocalization of myosin Va in the developing rat hippocampus. Coronal sections of the embryonic and postnatal rat hippocampus were probed with an affinity-purified, polyclonal anti-myosin Va antibody. Myosin Va was localized in the cytoplasm of granule cells in the dentate gyrus and of pyramidal cells in Ammon's horn formation. Myosin Va expression changed during development, being higher in differentiating rather than already differentiated granule and pyramidal cells. Some of these cells presented a typical migratory profile, while others resembled neurons that were in the process of differentiation. Myosin Va was also transiently expressed in fibers present in the fimbria. Myosin Va was not detected in germinative matrices of the hippocampus proper or of the dentate gyrus. In conclusion, myosin Va expression in both granule and pyramidal cells showed both position and time dependency during hippocampal development, indicating that this motor protein is under developmental regulation.
Assuntos
Animais , Feminino , Ratos , Hipocampo/embriologia , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Miosina Tipo V/análise , Giro Denteado/embriologia , Giro Denteado/metabolismo , Imuno-Histoquímica , Miosina Tipo V/metabolismo , Células Piramidais/embriologia , Células Piramidais/metabolismo , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Myosin Va is an actin-based, processive molecular motor protein highly enriched in the nervous tissue of vertebrates. It has been associated with processes of cellular motility, which include organelle transport and neurite outgrowth. The in vivo expression of myosin Va protein in the developing nervous system of mammals has not yet been reported. We describe here the immunolocalization of myosin Va in the developing rat hippocampus. Coronal sections of the embryonic and postnatal rat hippocampus were probed with an affinity-purified, polyclonal anti-myosin Va antibody. Myosin Va was localized in the cytoplasm of granule cells in the dentate gyrus and of pyramidal cells in Ammon's horn formation. Myosin Va expression changed during development, being higher in differentiating rather than already differentiated granule and pyramidal cells. Some of these cells presented a typical migratory profile, while others resembled neurons that were in the process of differentiation. Myosin Va was also transiently expressed in fibers present in the fimbria. Myosin Va was not detected in germinative matrices of the hippocampus proper or of the dentate gyrus. In conclusion, myosin Va expression in both granule and pyramidal cells showed both position and time dependency during hippocampal development, indicating that this motor protein is under developmental regulation.
Assuntos
Hipocampo/embriologia , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Miosina Tipo V/análise , Animais , Giro Denteado/embriologia , Giro Denteado/metabolismo , Feminino , Imuno-Histoquímica , Miosina Tipo V/metabolismo , Células Piramidais/embriologia , Células Piramidais/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Endogenous angiotensin (Ang) II and/or an Ang II-derived peptide, acting on Ang type 1 (AT(1)) and Ang type 2 (AT(2)) receptors, can carry out part of the nociceptive control modulated by periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). However, neither the identity of this putative Ang-peptide, nor its relationship to Ang II antinociceptive activity was clarified. Therefore, we have used tail-flick and incision allodynia models combined with an HPLC time course of Ang metabolism, to study the Ang III antinociceptive effect in the rat ventrolateral (vl) PAG using peptidase inhibitors and receptor antagonists. Ang III injection into the vlPAG increased tail-flick latency, which was fully blocked by Losartan and CGP 42,112A, but not by divalinal-Ang IV, indicating that Ang III effect was mediated by AT(1) and AT(2) receptors, but not by the AT(4) receptor. Ang III injected into the vlPAG reduced incision allodynia. Incubation of Ang II with punches of vlPAG homogenate formed Ang III, Ang (1-7) and Ang IV. Amastatin (AM) inhibited the formation of Ang III from Ang II by homogenate, and blocked the antinociceptive activity of Ang II injection into vlPAG, suggesting that aminopeptidase A (APA) formed Ang III from Ang II. Ang III can also be formed from Ang I by a vlPAG alternative pathway. Therefore, the present work shows, for the first time, that: (i) Ang III, acting on AT(1) and AT(2) receptors, can elicit vlPAG-mediated antinociception, (ii) the conversion of Ang II to Ang III in the vlPAG is required to elicit antinociception, and (iii) the antinociceptive activity of endogenous Ang II in vlPAG can be ascribed preponderantly to Ang III.
Assuntos
Analgésicos/farmacologia , Angiotensina III/metabolismo , Nociceptores/efeitos dos fármacos , Dor/metabolismo , Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal/metabolismo , Analgésicos/metabolismo , Angiotensina II/farmacologia , Angiotensina III/farmacologia , Antagonistas de Receptores de Angiotensina , Animais , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Interações Medicamentosas/fisiologia , Vias Eferentes/efeitos dos fármacos , Vias Eferentes/metabolismo , Glutamil Aminopeptidase/biossíntese , Losartan/farmacologia , Masculino , Microinjeções , Inibição Neural/efeitos dos fármacos , Inibição Neural/fisiologia , Nociceptores/metabolismo , Oligopeptídeos/farmacologia , Dor/tratamento farmacológico , Dor/fisiopatologia , Medição da Dor , Limiar da Dor/efeitos dos fármacos , Limiar da Dor/fisiologia , Peptídeos/farmacologia , Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Receptores de Angiotensina/metabolismoRESUMO
Renin-angiotensin (Ang) system (RAS) peptides injected into the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) elicit antinociception. Saralasin blocks Ang II-elicited antinociception. Thus, it is possible that endogenous RAS peptides could participate on the modulation of nociception in the PAG. This possibility was tested here injecting, in the PAG, the specific Ang type 1 and type 2 receptor (AT1 receptor and AT(2 receptor) antagonists losartan and CGP42,112A, respectively, either alone or before Ang II. The effects of Ang II, losartan and CGP42,112A on nociception were measured using the tail flick test and the model of incision allodynia. Ang II increased tail-flick latency, an effect inhibited by both losartan and CGP42,112A. Ang II reduced incisional allodynia. Either losartan or CGP42,112A alone increased incision allodynia, suggesting that endogenous Ang II and/or an Ang-peptide participates in the control of allodynia by the PAG. AT1 and AT2 receptors were immunolocalized in neuronal cell bodies and processes in the ventrolateral PAG. Taken together, the antinociceptive effect of Ang II injection into the ventrolateral PAG, the increase of allodynia elicited by injecting either losartan or CGP42,112A alone in the PAG, and the presence of AT1 and AT2 receptors in neurons and neuronal processes in the same region, represent the first evidence that part of the tonic nociceptive control mediated by the PAG is carried out locally by endogenous Ang II and/or an Ang-peptide acting on AT1 and AT2 receptors.
Assuntos
Nociceptores/fisiologia , Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal/fisiologia , Receptores de Angiotensina/fisiologia , Sistema Renina-Angiotensina/fisiologia , Anestésicos Locais/farmacologia , Angiotensina II/farmacologia , Bloqueadores do Receptor Tipo 1 de Angiotensina II/farmacologia , Animais , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Imuno-Histoquímica/métodos , Lidocaína/farmacologia , Losartan/farmacologia , Masculino , Nociceptores/efeitos dos fármacos , Oligopeptídeos/farmacologia , Medição da Dor/métodos , Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Tempo de Reação/efeitos dos fármacos , Receptores de Angiotensina/classificação , Receptores de Angiotensina/efeitos dos fármacos , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
O híbrido Mentha pulegium x spicata, também conhecido como poejo de praia, é uma planta perene, rasteira, ramosa, com caule arroxeado, folhas opostas, lanceoladas e serreadas no bordo, apresentando odor característico. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar um estudo da anatomia foliar, incluindo um estudo de biometria tecidual e análise quantitativa de tricomas secretores/mm2 e de estômatos/mm2 em ambas as faces da folha, além de uma análise química do óleo essencial. Foram efetuadas lâminas permanentes para análise anatômica do limbo foliar e também lâminas da impressão foliar para a contagem do número de tricomas e estômatos. A análise química foi efetuada através da extração do óleo essencial por arraste à vapor d'água e analisado por CG-EM. Os tricomas capitados e peltados estão presentes em ambas as faces da folha, porém predominam na superfície abaxial. A análise de variância mostrou que há diferenças significativas para o número de tricomas capitados e tectores entre as superfícies adaxial e abaxial, mas não são significativas para o tricoma peltado. O óleo essencial analisado, mostra a presença do componente majoritário, trans-epóxido de piperitona, responsável por mais de 80% da composição relativa no óleo bruto
Assuntos
Folhas de Planta/anatomia & histologia , Folhas de Planta/fisiologia , Folhas de Planta/química , Lamiaceae , Mentha pulegium , Biometria , Óleos Voláteis/análiseRESUMO
Brain myosin Va (MVa) is a molecular motor associated with plastic changes during development. MVa has previously been detected in the cell body and in dendrites of neuronal cells in culture, in cells of the guinea-pig cochlea, as well as in cerebellar cells. Adult Wistar rats (n=14), 250-300 g, were perfused with standard methods for immunohistochemistry, using a polyclonal, affinity-purified rabbit antibody against MVa tail domain. Anti-MVa antibody specifically stained neuronal nuclei from forebrain to cerebellar regions, and more intensely sensory nuclei. Differences in MVa immunoreactivity were detected between brain nuclei, ranging from very intense to weak staining. The analysis of MVa and glial fibrillary acidic protein staining in adjacent brain sections demonstrated a clear-cut neuronal labeling rather than an astroglial staining. The studies presented here represent a comprehensive map of MVa regional distribution in the CNS of the adult rat and may contribute to the basic understanding of its role in brain function and plasticity, particularly in relationship to phenomena that involve molecular motors, such as neurite outgrowth, organelle transport and neurotransmitter-vesicle cycling. It is important to highlight that this is a pioneer immunohistochemical study on the distribution of MVa on the whole brain of adult rats, a first step toward the understanding of its function in the CNS.
Assuntos
Química Encefálica , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Cadeias Pesadas de Miosina/metabolismo , Miosina Tipo V/metabolismo , Animais , Western Blotting , Encéfalo/citologia , Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Proteína Glial Fibrilar Ácida/metabolismo , Imuno-Histoquímica , Masculino , Proteínas de Neurofilamentos/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
PURPOSE: Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in a variety of functions, including the control of synaptic plasticity and sensory signaling. Current evidence suggests that this unconventional neurotransmitter mediates N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-linked excitotoxicity. This study describes the expression of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity (IR) in hippocampi from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). METHODS: Hippocampi from patients with clinical symptoms, neuroimaging, and EEG typical of hippocampal sclerosis (HS; n = 22) were compared with those from patients with neocortical temporal lesions (NONHS; n = 4) and autopsy (AUT; n = 18) patients for total cells, and nNOS-IR neuron and puncta densities. RESULTS: Compared with AUT, HS hippocampi had significantly less nNOS-IR neuron densities in the fascia dentata (FD); hilus, and CA4, CA3, CA2, and CA1 subfields. HS hippocampi had significantly greater nNOS-IR puncta densities in the FD, as compared with AUT and NONHS. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that hippocampi from TLE patients exhibit a loss of nNOS-IR neurons and an abnormal FD innervation. The release of NO can influence the dynamics of ionic channels and neurotransmitter release, thus affecting neuronal membrane potential. Because the NOergic transmission does not obey the topographic constraints imposed on conventional transmitters, target cells can be stimulated even in regions with severe deafferentation. The plastic changes described here may contribute to abnormal hippocampal excitability.
Assuntos
Epilepsia do Lobo Temporal/fisiopatologia , Hipocampo/fisiopatologia , Plasticidade Neuronal , Neurônios/fisiologia , Óxido Nítrico Sintase/metabolismo , Hipocampo/patologia , Humanos , Terminações Nervosas/fisiopatologia , Óxido Nítrico Sintase Tipo I , EscleroseRESUMO
There is accumulating evidence that autonomic dysfunction occurs in HIV infection. While many studies have demonstrated autonomic abnormalities on clinical basis, only one has studied the morphology of sympathetic ganglia. The superior sympathetic ganglia of 12 randomly selected AIDS patients and those of 6 controls were examined morphologically in order to determine the frequency and severity of their involvement. Although they had not been investigated for autonomic dysfunction, 5 had suffered from non-infectious diarrhoea, one showed bilateral ptosis and another had non-specified visual problems. All cases showed clusters, and perivascular mononuclear inflammatory cells, occasionally infiltrating vessel walls, some evidence of nerve cell degeneration, and proliferation of capsule cells. Immunostainings showed T lymphocytes and an increased number of macrophages. HIV antigens were detected in macrophages, in 6 cases (50%). This study provides further morphological support for the autonomic dysfunction in association with HIV infection. As for the mechanism of this dysfunction, it has been postulated a direct infection, the virus entering the ganglia through macrophages and acting as a reservoir for HIV, and an autoimmune pathogenesis. Since HIV antigens were not detected in 50% of the cases in this and in a previous study, despite the existence of morphological lesions, it is possible that, as in HIV-related sensory-motor peripheral neuropathies, an autoimmune mechanism may also play a role in the development of the autonomic lesions.
Assuntos
Complexo AIDS Demência/complicações , Complexo AIDS Demência/patologia , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso Autônomo/patologia , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso Autônomo/virologia , Gânglio Cervical Superior/patologia , Complexo AIDS Demência/imunologia , Adulto , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso Autônomo/imunologia , Feminino , Gânglios Espinais/imunologia , Gânglios Espinais/patologia , Humanos , Leucócitos Mononucleares/patologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Degeneração Neural/imunologia , Degeneração Neural/patologia , Degeneração Neural/virologia , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Gânglio Cervical Superior/imunologia , Nervo Sural/imunologia , Nervo Sural/patologiaRESUMO
AIMS: Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are isoenzymes that catalyse the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). The three main NOS isoforms are: NOS1 or neuronal, NOS2 or inducible, and NOS3 or endothelial. NO plays both physiological and pathological roles, depending on its rate of synthesis and concentration, cellular source and microenvironment. Apoptosis is an important biological factor in low-grade lymphomas, and NO is able to prevent apoptosis. In-situ expression of NOS and synthesis of NO have been shown in several malignant tumours, but not in lymphoid neoplasms. This study evaluates whether human B-cell neoplasms express NOS isoforms, and nitrotyrosine (NY), which is usually interpreted as a marker of NO. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied the expression of NOS-IR isoforms and NY-IR in 16 cases of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (five follicle centre cell lymphoma, four small lymphocytic/CLL, and seven diffuse large cell lymphoma), and 10 cases of multiple myeloma (MM). NOS1 was expressed in 5/10 cases of MM, and 15/16 cases of NHL. NOS2 was detected in all cases of MM, and in 14/16 cases of NHL, whereas NOS3 was positive in 3/10 of MM and in only in 1/16 cases of NHL. The expression of NY-IR was observed in 70% of MM cases, and in all cases of B-cell NHL, in a dot-like pattern in few tumour cells. CONCLUSIONS: B-cell neoplasms express neuronal and inducible NOS, and nitrotyrosine. Taken together, our results suggest that B-cell neoplasms can produce NO. The role of NO in the biology, diagnosis and prognosis of B-cell neoplasms remains to be established.