Caracterização do gene do choque térmico (HSP-70. 1) e sua relação com características de produção em bovinos leiteiros criados no semiárido brasileiro / Characterization of the thermal shock gene (HSP-70. 1) and its relationship with production characteristics in dairy cattle reared in the Brazilian semiarid

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a diversidade genética do gene HSP-70.1 e associar os polimorfismos encontrados com a performance de vacas leiteiras das raças Holandesa, Girolando (5/8H-G) e Sindi criadas em região do semiárido brasileiro. Os polimorfismos foram identificados e avaliados pela técnica de PCR-RFLP, usando-se a enzima de restrição EcoRII. Avaliou-se a variabilidade genética por meio do índice de diversidade padrão e da análise de variância molecular (AMOVA). Os polimorfismos identificados foram avaliados sobre as características de produção de leite. Foram identificados sete alelos, os quais demonstraram que houve polimorfismo para a região gênica analisada, e alguns alelos foram compartilhados entre os rebanhos. As raças bovinas Holandesa e Sindi foram similares geneticamente para o gene analisado. A AMOVA demonstrou que há variação genética entre os rebanhos e dentro deles, com a maior parte da variação ocorrendo dentro dos rebanhos para todos os grupos avaliados. Houve efeito dos alelos identificados sobre a produção de leite dos rebanhos das raças Holandesa (P<0,0001) e Girolando (P<0,0117). O gene HSP-70.1 foi polimórfico na população de bovinos leiteiros estudada, sendo, portanto, um marcador molecular promissor para avaliar a produção de leite de raças criadas em região semiárida.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the HSP-70.1 gene and to associate the polymorphisms found with the performance of Holstein, Girolando (5/8H-G) and Sindi dairy cows raised in region of the Brazilian semiarid. Polymorphisms were identified and evaluated using the PCR-RFLP technique using the EcoRII restriction enzyme. Genetic variability was evaluated using the standard diversity index and molecular variance analysis (AMOVA). The identified polymorphisms were evaluated on the characteristics of milk production. They were identified from the seven alleles, demonstrating that there was polymorphism for the analyzed gene region and some alleles were shared among the herds. The Holstein and Sindi bovine breeds were genetically like the analyzed gene. AMOVA demonstrated that there is genetic variation between and within the herds, with most of the variation occurring within the herds for all groups evaluated. There was effect of the alleles identified on the production of milk herds of Holstein and (P<0.0001) Girolando (P<0.0117) breeds. The HSP-70.1 gene was polymorphic in the population of dairy cattle studied, and therefore a promising molecular marker to evaluate milk production of breeds created in semiarid regions.(AU)

Bloqueio do plexo braquial em jumento - relato de caso / Brachial plexus block in donkey - case report

A anestesia locorregional reduz o requerimento de agentes inalatórios e diminui as respostas autonômicas a estímulos cirúrgicos nocivos. Objetiva-se descrever um bloqueio anestésico do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulador em jumento, submetido à amputação do membro anterior direito. Foi realizada medicação pré-anestésica com detomidina 0,01mg.kg-1, indução com diazepam 0,05mg.kg-1 e cetamina 2mg.kg-1, todos pela via intravenosa (IV), e a manutenção da anestesia com isoflurano. O plexo braquial foi bloqueado por acesso subescapular, sendo usado neuroestimulador. Utilizou-se 1mg.kg-1 de bupivacaína 0,5% sem vasoconstritor, associada a 1mg.kg-1 de lidocaína 2% sem vasoconstrictor. Os valores de FC e ƒ durante o procedimento cirúrgico variaram de 62 a 78bpm e de 24 a 32rpm, respectivamente. Foram coletadas quatro amostras de sangue para dosagem de cortisol. Este, antes da aplicação da medicação pré-anestésica, foi de 6,4µg/dL e, 30 minutos após a MPA, foi de 2,8µg/dL. A recuperação anestésica foi rápida e sem complicações. O bloqueio do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulador mostrou-se eficaz em jumentos, fornecendo analgesia e anestesia satisfatória.(AU)

Locoregional anesthesia reduces the requirement for inhaled agents and reduces the autonomic responses to noxious surgical stimuli. The aim of this study was to describe an anesthetic block of the brachial plexus guided by a neurostimulator in a donkey submitted to right limb amputation. Preanesthetic medication was performed with detomidine 0.01mg.kg-1 induction with diazepam 0.05mg.kg-1 and ketamine 2mg.kg-1 all intravenously, and maintenance of anesthesia with isoflurane. The brachial plexus was blocked by subscapular access, using a neurostimulator. For this purpose, 1mg.kg -1 of bupivacaine 0.5%, without vasoconstrictor, and 1mg.kg- 1 of lidocaine 2%, without vasoconstrictor were used. The values of HR and ƒ during the surgical procedure ranged from 62 to 78bpm, and 24 to 32bpm, respectively. Four blood samples were collected for cortisol dosing. This, prior to the application of the pre-anesthetic medication was 6.4µg/dL and 30 minutes was 2.8µg/dL. Anesthesia recovery was rapid and uncomplicated. Neurostimulator-guided brachial plexus blockade proved to be effective in donkeys, providing satisfactory analgesia and anesthesia.(AU)

Amifostine reduces inflammation and protects against 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis and hyposalivation

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common and dose-limiting side effect of cancer treatment, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and radiotherapy. The efficacy of the therapeutic measures to prevent OM is limited and disease prevention is not fully observable. Amifostine is a cytoprotective agent with a described anti-inflammatory potential. It is clinically used to reduce radiotherapy and chemotherapy-associated xerostomia. This study investigated the protective effect of amifostine on an experimental model of OM. Hamsters were divided into six groups: saline control group (5 mL/kg), mechanical trauma (scratches) of the right cheek pouch; 5-FU (60 and 40 mg/kg, ip, respectively, administered on days 1 and 2); amifostine (12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg) + 5-FU + scratches. Salivation rate was assessed and the animals were euthanized on day 10 for the analysis of macroscopic and microscopic injury by scores. Tissue samples were harvested for the measurement of neutrophil infiltration and detection of inflammatory markers by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. 5-FU induced pronounced hyposalivation, which was prevented by amifostine (P<0.05). In addition, 5-FU injection caused pronounced tissue injury accompanied by increased neutrophil accumulation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) tissue levels, and positive immunostaining for TNF-α, IL-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Interestingly, amifostine prevented the inflammatory reaction and consequently improved macroscopic and microscopic damage (P<0.05 vs 5-FU group). Amifostine reduced inflammation and protected against 5-FU-associated oral mucositis and hyposalivation.

Proteic and phenolics compounds contents in Bacupari callus cultured with glutamine and nitrogen sources / Conteúdo de proteínas e compostos fenólicos em calos de Bacupari cultivados com glutamina e fontes de nitrogênio

Abstract In this study was evaluated the influence of glutamine supplementation on the endogenous content of amino acids, proteins, total phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in Bacupari callus. The explants were inoculated in MS medium, MS with half concentration of the nitrogen salts (MS½) and nitrogen-free MS, supplemented with glutamine (5, 10, 30 and 60mM) named as Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 and Gln60. Amino acids and proteins were analyzed after 20, 80 and 140 days and the secondary metabolites on the 140th day. There was no difference in the amino acids on the 20th day. On the 80th day the treatments MS and MS½ presented the lowest levels. On the 140th day MS and MS½ presented the lowest amino acid concentration and Gln10 the highest. Concerning proteins, there was difference only on the 140th day, being the highest concentrations observed in Gln5, and the lowest in MS½ treatment. Total phenolics content was higher in the treatment Gln60 and lowest in MS. Treatments Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 and MS½ were statistically equal. For flavonoids, the highest values occurred in the treatments Gln30, Gln60 and MS½ and the lowest in Gln5, Gln10 and MS. Similarly, for the proanthocyanidins the highest concentrations were observed in treatment Gln60 and the lowest in Gln5 and MS. In conclusion, the treatment with 60mM of glutamine favors the protein accumulation and production of secondary metabolites in Bacupari callus.

Resumo Nesse estudo foi avaliado o efeito da suplementação com glutamina no conteúdo endógeno de aminoácidos, proteínas, fenólicos totais, flavonoides e proantocianidinas em calos de Bacupari. Os explantes foram inoculados em meio MS, meio MS com metade da concentração de dos sais de nitrogênio (MS½) e meio MS sem nitrogênio suplementado com glutamina (5, 10, 30 e 60mM) denominados como Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 e Gln60. Os aminoácidos e as proteínas foram analisados após 20, 80 e 140 dias e os metabólitos secundários no 140° dia. Não houve diferença nos aminoácidos no 20° dia. No 80° dia os tratamentos MS e MS½ apresentaram os menores níveis. No 140° dia, MS e MS½ apresentaram as menores concentrações de aminoácidos e o Gln10 as maiores. A respeito das proteínas, houve diferença apenas no 140° dia, sendo as maiores concentrações observadas nos tratamentos Gln, e as menores no MS½. O conteúdo de fenólicos totais foi maior no tratamento Gln60 e menor no MS. Os tratamentos Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 e MS½ foram estatisticamente iguais. Para os flavonóides, os maiores valores ocorreram nos tratamentos Gln30, Gln60 e MS½ e os menores no Gln5, Gln10 e MS. Da mesma forma, para as proantocianidinas, as maiores concentrações foram observadas no tratamento Gln60 os menores no Gln5 e MS. Em conclusão, o tratamento com 60 mM de glutamina favorece o acúmulo de proteínas e a produção de metabólitos secundários em calos de Bacupari.

Anatomical traits related to stress in high density populations of Typha angustifolia L. (Typhaceae) / Características anatômicas relacionadas ao estresse em altas densidades populacionais de Typha angustifolia L. (Typhaceae)

Abstract Some macrophytes species show a high growth potential, colonizing large areas on aquatic environments. Cattail (Typha angustifolia L.) uncontrolled growth causes several problems to human activities and local biodiversity, but this also may lead to competition and further problems for this species itself. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate anatomical modifications on T. angustifolia plants from different population densities, once it can help to understand its biology. Roots and leaves were collected from natural populations growing under high and low densities. These plant materials were fixed and submitted to usual plant microtechnique procedures. Slides were observed and photographed under light microscopy and images were analyzed in the UTHSCSA-Imagetool software. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments and ten replicates, data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Scott-Knott test at p<0.05. Leaves from low density populations showed higher stomatal density and index. These modifications on stomatal characteristics were more evident on the leaf abaxial surface. Plants from low density populations showed thicker mesophyll and higher proportion of aerenchymal area. Roots from low density populations showed a higher proportion of the vascular cylinder. Whereas, plants from higher density populations showed greater thickness of the endodermis, exodermis, phloem and root cortex. Higher density populations showed a higher proportion of aerenchymal gaps in the root cortex. Therefore, cattail plants from populations growing under high density population show anatomical traits typical of plants under stress, which promotes the development of less functional anatomical modifications to aquatic environments.

Resumo Algumas espécies de macrófitas podem apresentar um elevado potencial de crescimento, colonizando extensas áreas de ambientes aquáticos. O crescimento descontrolado da taboa (Typha angustifolia L.) causa problemas para a biodiversidade local e para atividades antrópicas, isso também pode levar à competição e problemas para a própria espécie. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar se ocorrem modificações anatômicas em plantas de Typha angustifolia L. de diferentes densidades populacionais, uma vez que essas podem auxiliar na compreensão da biologia dessa espécie. Raízes e folhas de T. angustifolia foram coletadas de populações naturais com alto e baixo adensamento populacional. Esse material vegetal foi fixado e submetido a procedimentos usuais de microtécnica vegetal. As lâminas foram observadas e fotografadas em microscopia de luz e as imagens analisadas no software UTHSCSA-Imagetool. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e dez repetições, os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Scott-Knott para p<0,05. As folhas das populações com baixa densidade demonstraram maior densidade e índice estomáticos. Essas características foram mais evidentes na superfície abaxial em comparação com a superfície adaxial. As plantas de populações com baixo adensamento demonstraram maior espessura do mesofilo e área de aerênquima foliar. As raízes das populações com baixo adensamento demonstraram maior proporção do cilindro vascular. Por outro lado, as plantas de populações com alto adensamento demonstraram maior espessura da endoderme, exoderme, floema e do córtex nas raízes. Populações de alto adensamento demonstraram maior proporção de aerênquima no córtex radicular. Portanto, plantas de taboa sob alto adensamento populacional estão sob estresse o qual promove o desenvolvimento de modificações anatômicas menos funcionais para os ambientes aquáticos.

Proteic and phenolics compounds contents in Bacupari callus cultured with glutamine and nitrogen sources

Abstract In this study was evaluated the influence of glutamine supplementation on the endogenous content of amino acids, proteins, total phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in Bacupari callus. The explants were inoculated in MS medium, MS with half concentration of the nitrogen salts (MS½) and nitrogen-free MS, supplemented with glutamine (5, 10, 30 and 60mM) named as Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 and Gln60. Amino acids and proteins were analyzed after 20, 80 and 140 days and the secondary metabolites on the 140th day. There was no difference in the amino acids on the 20th day. On the 80th day the treatments MS and MS½ presented the lowest levels. On the 140th day MS and MS½ presented the lowest amino acid concentration and Gln10 the highest. Concerning proteins, there was difference only on the 140th day, being the highest concentrations observed in Gln5, and the lowest in MS½ treatment. Total phenolics content was higher in the treatment Gln60 and lowest in MS. Treatments Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 and MS½ were statistically equal. For flavonoids, the highest values occurred in the treatments Gln30, Gln60 and MS½ and the lowest in Gln5, Gln10 and MS. Similarly, for the proanthocyanidins the highest concentrations were observed in treatment Gln60 and the lowest in Gln5 and MS. In conclusion, the treatment with 60mM of glutamine favors the protein accumulation and production of secondary metabolites in Bacupari callus.

Resumo Nesse estudo foi avaliado o efeito da suplementação com glutamina no conteúdo endógeno de aminoácidos, proteínas, fenólicos totais, flavonoides e proantocianidinas em calos de Bacupari. Os explantes foram inoculados em meio MS, meio MS com metade da concentração de dos sais de nitrogênio (MS½) e meio MS sem nitrogênio suplementado com glutamina (5, 10, 30 e 60mM) denominados como Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 e Gln60. Os aminoácidos e as proteínas foram analisados após 20, 80 e 140 dias e os metabólitos secundários no 140° dia. Não houve diferença nos aminoácidos no 20° dia. No 80° dia os tratamentos MS e MS½ apresentaram os menores níveis. No 140° dia, MS e MS½ apresentaram as menores concentrações de aminoácidos e o Gln10 as maiores. A respeito das proteínas, houve diferença apenas no 140° dia, sendo as maiores concentrações observadas nos tratamentos Gln, e as menores no MS½. O conteúdo de fenólicos totais foi maior no tratamento Gln60 e menor no MS. Os tratamentos Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 e MS½ foram estatisticamente iguais. Para os flavonóides, os maiores valores ocorreram nos tratamentos Gln30, Gln60 e MS½ e os menores no Gln5, Gln10 e MS. Da mesma forma, para as proantocianidinas, as maiores concentrações foram observadas no tratamento Gln60 os menores no Gln5 e MS. Em conclusão, o tratamento com 60 mM de glutamina favorece o acúmulo de proteínas e a produção de metabólitos secundários em calos de Bacupari.

Contamination from an affluent of Furnas reservoir by trace metals / Contaminação de um afluente do Reservatório de Furnas por metais traço

This study aims to determine concentrations and characterize trace metals distribution in an affluent of Furnas reservoir, Alfenas-MG. Water and sediment samples were taken monthly, 2010/10-2011/07 in five sites of Córrego do Pântano for subsequent determination of Pb, Cd and Zn levels by chemical analysis. The stream studied is in disagreement with Brazilian legislation for Class II water bodies (CONAMA 357). The highlights are the unsuitable concentrations of Pb for human consumption, according to Ministry of Health 2914 decree, providing risk for population.

Este trabalho objetiva determinar as concentrações e caracterizar a distribuição de metais traço em um afluente do Reservatório de Furnas, em Alfenas-MG. Foram coletadas amostras de água e sedimento de Outubro de 2010 a Julho de 2011 em cinco pontos do Córrego do Pântano para posterior determinação dos níveis de Cd, Pb e Zn através da análise química. O córrego estudado encontra-se em desacordo com a legislação brasileira para corpos de água Classe II (CONAMA 357). Destacam-se as concentrações de Pb inadequadas para consumo humano, conforme a portaria n° 2914 do Ministério da Saúde, oferecendo risco à população.

Effects of simvastatin/ezetimibe on microparticles, endothelial progenitor cells and platelet aggregation in subjects with coronary heart disease under antiplatelet therapy

It is not known whether the addition of ezetimibe to statins adds cardiovascular protection beyond the expected changes in lipid levels. Subjects with coronary heart disease were treated with four consecutive 1-week courses of therapy (T) and evaluations. The courses were: T1, 100 mg aspirin alone; T2, 100 mg aspirin and 40 mg simvastatin/10 mg ezetimibe; T3, 40 mg simvastatin/10 mg ezetimibe, and 75 mg clopidogrel (300 mg initial loading dose); T4, 75 mg clopidogrel alone. Platelet aggregation was examined in whole blood. Endothelial microparticles (CD51), platelet microparticles (CD42/CD31), and endothelial progenitor cells (CD34/CD133; CDKDR/CD133, or CD34/KDR) were quantified by flow cytometry. Endothelial function was examined by flow-mediated dilation. Comparisons between therapies revealed differences in lipids (T2 and T3<T1 and T4 for total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides; P<0.002 for all), as well as for endothelial function (T2>T1 and T4, P=0.001). Decreased platelet aggregation was observed after aspirin (arachidonic acid, T1<T3 and T4, P=0.034) and clopidogrel (adenosine, T3 and T4<T1 and T2, P<0.0001) therapy. Simvastatin/ezetimibe diphosphate did not change platelet aggregation, the amount of circulating endothelial and platelet microparticles, or endothelial progenitor cells. Cardiovascular protection following therapy with simvastatin/ezetimibe seems restricted to lipid changes and improvement of endothelial function not affecting the release of microparticles, mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells or decreased platelet aggregation.

Qualidade do leite cru refrigerado sob inspeção federal na região Nordeste / Quality of bulk tank milk with federal inspection from the dairy industry in the Brazilian Northeast

Estudou-se a influência sazonal sobre a composição química, a contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e a contagem bacteriana total (CBT) de leite cru refrigerado em vários estados da região Nordeste. Os dados foram obtidos de 116.989 amostras de leite de tanques coletadas pelas indústrias com cadastro no serviço de inspeção federal. As amostras foram separadas em três períodos (I, II, III), de acordo com aplicação da Instrução Normativa-51 (IN-51). O teor de gordura, média de 3,7%, foi o componente do leite que apresentou maior variação. Proteína e lactose tiveram amplitude de 0,04% entre os períodos e apresentaram médias de 3,2 e 4,4%, respectivamente. Maiores valores de CCS foram observados entre os meses de maio e julho, 594,33 a 625,28 mil cel/mL, enquanto para CBT os maiores valores ocorreram nos meses de maio e junho, 1308,54 e 1333,83 UFC/mL. Observaram-se diferenças significativas nos componentes do leite entre os estados, principalmente no que se refere à qualidade higiênico-sanitária.

The aim was to study seasonal influence on the chemical composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacteria count (TBC) in bulk tank milk in the Brazilian Northeast. The data analyzed was obtained from 116.989 samples of bulk tank milk collected from industries that have an account at the Federal Inspection Service (FIS). The samples were separated into three periods (I,II,III), according to application of IN-51. PROC GLM was used to study the comparison of means by Duncan's test. The fat varied more, with an average of 3.66%, protein and lactose had an amplitude of 0.04% between periods, and an average of 3.16 and 4.41%, respectively. Higher values of SCC were observed in the months from May to July (594.33 to 625.28 thousand cells/mL), while in TBC the largest values occurred in May and June (1308.54 and 1333.83 CFU/mL). Significant differences in milk components between states were observed, especially with regard to hygienic quality. The chemical composition, SCC and TBC were influenced between periods and months of the year.

Carcinoma hepatocelular canino: reporte de un caso / Canine hepatocelullar carcinoma: a case report

Presentar el caso de un paciente canino, con enfermedad hepática, asociada a carcinoma hepatocelular. Fue estudiado el caso de un paciente canino de raza Pitt bull de 10 años de edad, al que se le encontraron múltiples nódulos distribuidos en todo el parénquima hepático, con diagnostico histopatológico de carcinoma hepatocelular. Se expone el caso clínico de un paciente canino de raza Pitt bull, que es presentado a consulta externa por presentar decaimiento y distensión abdominal, una vez realizado el examen físico sistemático se evidenció hepatomegalia y un crecimiento anormal hacia la región del mesogastrio derecho. Los exámenes paraclinicos e histopatológicos demostraron la presencia de enfermedad hepática asociada a carcinoma hepatocelular. El carcinoma hepatocelular es una entidad de rara presentación, clínicamente cursa con signos muy similares a otras alteraciones tumorales de compromiso hepático, su diagnóstico suele ser histopatológico.

Survey of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by modified agglutination test in chickens slaughtered for consumption in Belém city, Northern Brazil / Pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii pelo teste de aglutinação modificado em soros de frango de corte abatidos para consumo em Belém-Pará, Brasil

The toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the obligatory intracellular parasitic protozoa Toxoplasma gondii, that affects the man and domestic animals all over the world. T. gondii infects mammals and birds and has the felidae as its definitive host. T. gondii infection in birds can be asymptomatic, the most probable form of contamination through the ingestion of oocysts from soil, polluted water and contaminated animals rations. Chickens meat is the one of the main transmission roads for man. Because serologic diagnostic currently methods of the disease are laborious, hazard or costly the modified agglutination test (MAT) is being employed as a simply and efficient alternative diagnosis method in birds and other animals. With the objective of surveying the occurrence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in cut chickens abated for consumption in the metropolitan area of Belém city, 300 serum samples coming from industrial and clandestine slaughtering, were submitted to MAT. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in one (1/300, 0,33%) sample coming from clandestine abbatoir and none from industrial slaughter house. Although the chickens meat coming from industrial slaughter house apparently wouldnt offer risk for human contamination by T. gondii through ingestion, the adoption of the serologic research is recommended in any type of slaughtering and in the consumption level,

iptesenta resumo em inglês.

Tamanho da leitegada e pesos médios, ao nascer e aos 21 dias de idade, de leitões da raça Large White / Litter size and average weights at birth and at 21 days of age of Large White piglets

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da época de parto e idade da matriz ao parto (IMP) sobre o tamanho da leitegada (TL), da época de parto, idade da matriz ao parto e tamanho da leitegada sobre o peso médio ao nascer (PMN), e da época de parto, idade da matriz ao parto, número de nascidos vivos (NV) e percentual de machos na leitegada (PERCM) sobre o peso aos 21 dias de idade (PM21) de leitões Large White. Utilizaram-se dados de 3259 leitões nascidos no período de junho/85 a junho/96. A avaliação foi feita por meio de regressão múltipla. Para TL apenas o efeito de IMP determinou modificações significativas sobre o número de leitões nascidos. TL médio foi 9,73 mais ou menos 2,78, observando-se maiores leitegadas em fêmeas de 2,84 a 3,83 anos. PMN e PM21 foram 1,35kg mais ou menos 0,18 e 5,06kg mais ou menos 1,00, respectivamente. Para PMN foram significativos os efeitos de IMP e TL, com redução do peso em 20g para cada leitão adicional. Para PM21 apenas o número de NV apresentou efeito significativo.

Dissociation between the circulating renin-angiotensin system and angiotensin II receptors in central losartan-induced hypertension

Losartan, an AT1 angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor non-peptide antagonist, induces an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) when injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) into rats. The present study investigated possible effector mechanisms of the increase in MAP induced by icv losartan in unanesthetized rats. Male Holtzman rats (280-300 g, N = 6/group) with a cannula implanted into the anterior ventral third ventricle received an icv injection of losartan (90 æg/2 æl) that induced a typical peak pressor response within 5 min. In one group of animals, this response to icv losartan was completely reduced from 18 ± 1 to 4 ± 2 mmHg by intravenous (iv) injection of losartan (2.5-10 mg/kg), and in another group, it was partially reduced from 18 ± 3 to 11 ± 2 mmHg by iv prazosin (0.1-1.0 mg/kg), an alpha1-adrenergic antagonist (P<0.05). Captopril (10 mg/kg), a converting enzyme inhibitor, injected iv in a third group inhibited the pressor response to icv losartan from 24 ± 3 to 7 ± 2 mmHg (P<0.05). Propranolol (10 mg/kg), a ß-adrenoceptor antagonist, injected iv in a fourth group did not alter the pressor response to icv losartan. Plasma renin activity and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity were not altered by icv losartan in other animals. The results suggest that the pressor effect of icv losartan depends on angiotensinergic and alpha1-adrenoceptor activation, but not on increased circulating ANG II

Laminin/VLA-6 interactions and T cell function

A growing number of investigators consider extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to be determinant factors in lymphocyte positioning and activation. One major ECM component is laminin, which is constitutively expressed in the thymus as well as in thymus-dependent areas of peripheral lymphoid organs. In the thymus, laminin is produced by epithelial and dendritic cells, and appears to mediate interactions with thymocytes through specific laminin receptors, in particular the integrin VLA-6. This receptor is also expressed by peripheral T cells, and is apparently involved in effector T cell migration and activation. We showed that CD4+ T lymphocytes from chronic chagasic mice exhibited an increase in the absolute and relative number of cells with high VLA-6 expression. Additionally, it is likely that VLA-6/laminin interactions are required for the development of the CD4+ T cell-dependent anti-myocardial autoreactive process that occurs in these animals. Lastly, laminin can bind to some cytokines, a fact that may represent an additional mechanism by which this extracellular matrix component modulates the behavior of T lymphocytes. Taken together, the present data strongly indicate that interactions involving laminin and VLA-6 are functionally linked to relevant events in T cell physiology, comprising entrance of pro-thymocytes into the thymus, intrathymic T cell migration and differentiation, as well as the functioning of mature T lymphocytes, including effector cells.

Detection of antibody isotypes to streptolysin O by dot ELISA

The presence of antibody isotypes (IgG, IgA and IgM) to streptolysin O was determined by dot ELISA in 222 serum samples from patients with different levels of anti-streptolysin O (SLO) antibodies as measured by the neutralizing assay (NA), from patients with diseases not related to nonsuppurative complications of Streptococcus pyogenes infection, and from clinically healthy individuals. Immunoglobulin G antibodies were found in 72 per cent of sera from patients with SLO antibodies higher than 333 Todd units (TU), and IgA antibodies were also detected in 53 per cent, but no IgM antibodies were demonstrable. High copositivity (0.94), conegativity (0.97), and positive (0.96) and negative (0.96) predictive values were observed when IgG and IgA findings were combined. The dot ELISA gave highly reproducible results. The present data suggest that the assay may be of practical value for routine detection of SLO antibodies when employed with an anti-human immunoglobulin light chain peroxidase conjugate.

Different effects on rat arterial pressure and heart rate when losartan is injected into the third or fourth ventricle

Carciovascular responses to central losartan (LOS), a non-peptide angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor antagonist, were investigated by comparing the effects of LOS injection into the 3rd and 4th cerebral ventricles (3rdV, 4thV) on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Adult male Holtzman rats were used (N = 6 animals per group). Average basal MAP and HR were 114 + or - 3 mmHg and 343 + or - 9 bpm (N = 23), respectively. LOS (50, 100 or 200 nmol/2 µl) injected into the 3rdV induced pressor (peak of 25 + or - 3 mmHg) and tachycardic (peak of 60 + or - 25 bpm) responses. LOS injected into the 4thV had no effect on MAP, but it induced bradycardia (peak of -35 + or - 15 bpm). KCl (200 nmol/2 µl) injected into the 3rdV or into the 4thV had no effect on either MAP or HR compared to 0.9 percent saline injection. The results indicate that LOS injected into the third ventricle acts on forebrain structures to induce its pressor and tachycardic effects and that bradycardia, likely dependent on hindbrain structures, is obtained when LOS is injected into the fourth ventricle

Effect of dehydration on the increase of arterial pressure and renal electrolyte excretion produced by central cholinergic stimulation in rats

Natriuresis, kaliuresis, diuresis, arterial pressure and heart rate were studied in rats following dehydration and cholinergic stimulation of the medial septal area (MSA). The increase in renal NA+ and K+ excretion produced by the injection of carbachol (2nmol) into the MSA in normal hydrated rats was abolished in 48-h water-deprived rats. Urinary volume was also reduced. Cholinergic stimulation of the MSA produced a smaller mincrease in arterial pressure in 48-h-deprived rats compared to normal hydrated animals. No change was observed in heart rate. These reults show that hydration state is essential for the central cholinergic control of electrolyte excretion and increase in arterial pressure

Distrofia miotónica: estudio clínico genético de 21 casos en 18 familias / Myotonic distrophy: clinical and genetic study of 21 cases in 18 families

La distrofia miotónica es una enfermedad multisistémica que se manifesta entre la segunda y tercera década de la vida y se hereda en forma autosómica dominante con elevada penetrancia y expresividad variable pudiendo algunos individuos afectados pasar desapercibidos. El objeto de este trabajo es estudiar 21 pacientes con distrofia miotónica pertenecientes a 18 familias para conocer en esta muestra la edad de inicio, características clínicas, variabilidad en su expresión y problemas que se presentan para dar consejo genético. De los 21 pacientes 14 fueron de sexo masculino y 7 femenino. La edad promedio de inicio de la enfermedad fue de 23.4 años. El sítoma más común fue debilidad muscular. A la exploración física los hallazgos más frecuentes fueron miotonía, atrofia muscular, facies característica y calvicie frontal. El estudio oftalmológico reveló alteraciones en cristalino en el 95% de los pacientes. El estudio psicológico se realizó en 14 pacientes y mostró un C.I. normal en 71.4% y anormal en 28.6%. Una de las pacientes presentó las complicaciones obstétricas comunes de la enfermedad. Encontramos en esta muestra que la edad de inicio y manifestacicones clínicas en los pacientes y sus familiares son muy variables, siendo difícil en ocasiones determinar si una persona es o no heterocigoto. Según Bundey et al un individuo en riesgo asintomático que a los 30 años tiene una electromiografía y examen oftalmológico normal pero tiene familiares con inicio del padecimiento después de los 20 años todavía riesgo de 1 en 4 de haber heredado el padecimiento