ABSTRACT
Stem cell-based therapy has been investigated in a number of degenerative and traumatic diseases, including spinal cord injury. In the present study, we investigated the use of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in the functional rehabilitation of a domestic cat presenting a compressive L1-L5 fracture. Bone marrow cells collected by puncture of the iliac crest were cultured to obtain mesenchymal stem cells three weeks before surgery. Hemilaminectomy was performed, followed by injection of the mesenchymal stem cells in the injured area. Clinical evaluation of the animal prior to surgery showed absence of pain, muscular tonus, and panniculi reflexes. Seven days after surgery and cell transplantation the examination revealed a progressive recovery of the panniculus reflexes and of the responses to superficial and deep pain stimuli despite the low proprioceptive and hyperreflexic ataxic hind limbs. Physiotherapy protocols were applied for clinical rehabilitation after surgery. The cat's first steps, three-minute weight-bearing, and intestine and urinary bladder partial reestablishment were observed 75 days post-surgery. Our results indicate the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in chronic spinal cord injuries.
Subject(s)
Animals , Cats , Bone Marrow Cells , Cell Transplantation , Extremities , Intestines , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Punctures , Reflex , Spinal Cord , Spinal Cord Injuries , Stem Cell Transplantation , Stem Cells , Transplants , Urinary Bladder , Weight-BearingABSTRACT
The seroprevalence of Maedi-Visna in sheep from Araçatuba region - SP, was determined and correlated to age, gender, breed, or sheep production systems. Blood samples were collected from 444 sheep, aging from two to 12 year-old. Both sexes and different breeds were sampled in 20 farms of this region. Physical examination was performed in all animals. Agar gel immunodiffusion test kit was used to diagnose in serum samples. Twelve animals, from five different farms, were AGID positive, yielding a seroprevalence of 2.7%, with no correlation among breed, gender, or sheep production systems and the detection of the disease. No animal considered positive for Maedi-Visna showed clinical signs compatible with Maedi-Visna.
Subject(s)
Animals , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Visna-maedi virus/isolation & purification , Arthritis-Encephalitis Virus, Caprine/isolation & purification , Brazil/epidemiology , Immunodiffusion/methods , SheepABSTRACT
A nocardiose do sistema nervoso central tem alcançado importante destaque no diagnóstico diferencial de patologias tumorais nos últimos anos pelo aumento da incidência de pacientes imunodeficiêntes (pacientes submetidos a quimioterapia, transplante de órgäos ou com a síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida - SIDA. Os autores descrevem o caso de um paciente com SIDA que desenvolveu nocardiose cerebelar na sua forma tumoral. O paciente foi submetido a craniectomia de fossa posterior para diagnóstico e tratamento. Os achados de neuroimagem e patológicos bem como a conduta cirúrgica säo discutidos com base em revisäo da literatura
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Brain Abscess/pathology , Nocardia Infections/complications , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/complications , Brain Abscess/diagnosis , Brain Abscess/surgery , Nocardia asteroides , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
A discinesia tardia (DT) é complicaçäo decorrente do uso prolongado de neurolépticos. Até o presente, nenhum tratamento provou ser eficaz na DT. Evidências indiretas apontam para a açäo de drogas bloqueadoras de canais de cálcio (BCC) em algumas vias neurais. A açäo de duas dessas drogas, varapamil e flunarizina, foi testada em modelo experimental de DT em rato, neste estudo. O haloperidol foi administrado por 21 dias e induçäo de movimentos estereotipados era obtida no 24§ dia, com a injeçäo de apomorfina. As drogas BCC foram administradas por uma vez no 28§ dia (experimento agudo) e por 8 dias, após o 25§ dia (experimento crônico). A flunarizina näo induziu modificaçäo no padräo de estereotipia dos animais, mas o verapamil levou a aumento no experimento agudo e a diminuiçäo no experimento crônico. Estes achados indicam que as drogas BCC podem ter alguma açäo sobre a DT e que ensaios clínicos devem ser feitos para se comprovar se tal açäo ocorre no homem
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced/physiopathology , Flunarizine/pharmacology , Verapamil/pharmacology , Rats, Wistar , Stereotyped Behavior/drug effectsABSTRACT
Os autores descrevem dois pacientes com associaçäo de polipose intestinal e tumor do sistema nervoso central (síndrome de Turcot), discutindo aspectos clínicos, genéticos e terapêuticos