Analysis of the Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of the Fractions Obtained From the Ethyl Acetate Partition of the Leaves of Diplopterys Pubipetala

Aims: The objective of this work was to analyze the anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of the fractions of ethyl acetate from the leaves of D. pubipetala. Methodology: Liquid-liquid partitioning was performed, the ethyl acetate partition was eluted in classical liquid chromatography, followed by thin layer chromatography. Antioxidant activity was performed by the DPPH photochlorimetric method and the levels of interleukin (IL?6), tumor necrosis factor ? (TNF??), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and nitric oxide (NO) were identified in supernatants of cell cultures. Results: Fractions F4, F5 and F10 showed antioxidant activity. The F10 fraction indicated efficient anti-inflammatory activity by the production of IL-10 and nitric oxides. Fractions F4, F5 and F9 stimulated the production of IL-6 and TNF-?. Conclusion: These results indicate a possible synergistic action of the extract and the partition of ethyl acetate, since after fractionation the potential presented in previous studies was lower.

Effects of vitamin D administration on nociception and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in neuropathic pain, a complicated condition after nerve tissue lesion. Vitamin D appears to improve symptoms of pain and exhibits antioxidant properties. We investigated the effects of oral administration of vitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, on nociception, the sciatic functional index (SFI), and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a model of neuropathic pain. Vitamin D3 (500 IU/kg per day) attenuated the CCI-induced decrease in mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency (indicators of antinociception) and SFI. The vitamin prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide levels in injured sciatic nerve without change to total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Vitamin D3 prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide, superoxide anion generation (SAG), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in the spinal cord, which were found in rats without treatment at 7 and 28 days post-CCI. A significant negative correlation was found between mechanical threshold and SAG and between mechanical threshold and H2O2 at day 7. Vitamin D3 also prevented decreased spinal cord total thiols content. There was an increase in TAC in the spinal cord of vitamin-treated CCI rats, compared to CCI rats without treatment only at 28 days. No significant changes were found in body weight and blood parameters of hepatic and renal function. These findings demonstrated, for first time, that vitamin D modulated pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in the spinal cord. Since antinociception occurred in parallel with oxidative changes in the spinal cord, the oxidative changes may have contributed to vitamin D-induced antinociception.

Aging and low-intensity exercise change oxidative biomarkers in brain regions and radiographic measures of femur of Wistar rats

We investigated changes in oxidative biomarkers in brain regions such as brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex of 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. We also assessed the effects of low-intensity exercise on these biomarkers in these regions of 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats that started exercise on a treadmill at 3, 15, and 21 months of age, respectively. Radiographic images of the femur were taken for all rats. A total of 25 rats (age: twelve 6-, ten 18-, ten 24-, and three 30-month-old rats) were used. Lipid hydroperoxide levels increased in cerebellum at 18 months. Total antioxidant activity exhibited lowest values in brainstem at 3 months. Superoxide dismutase activity did not exhibit significant changes during aging. Total thiol content exhibited lowest values in brain regions of 24- and 30-month-old rats. Exercise reduced total thiol content in brainstem at 6 months, but no change occurred in other regions and other ages. Femur increased its length and width and cortical thickness with advancing age. No change occurred in medullary width. Radiolucency increased and sclerosis was found in cortical and medullary bone with advancing age. Exercise reduced radiolucency and medullary sclerosis. Therefore, aging differentially changed oxidative biomarkers in different brain regions and radiographic measures of the femur. Low-intensity exercise only ameliorated some radiographic measurements of femur. Since the present study possessed limitations (small number of rats per group), a beneficial effect of regular low-intensity exercise on oxidative markers in brain cannot be ruled out.

Age-related changes and effects of regular low-intensity exercise on gait, balance, and oxidative biomarkers in the spinal cord of Wistar rats

The present study aimed to analyze age-related changes to motor coordination, balance, spinal cord oxidative biomarkers in 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. The effects of low-intensity exercise on these parameters were also analyzed in 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats. Body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were assessed for all rats. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass loss. Body weight increased until 24 months; only 30-month-old rats exhibited decreased blood glucose and increased total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio increased until 18 months, followed by a small decrease in old rats. Exercise did not change any of these parameters. Stride length and step length increased from adult to middle age, but decreased at old age. Stride width increased while the sciatic functional index decreased in old rats. Performance in the balance beam test declined with age. While gait did not change, balance improved after exercise. Aging increased superoxide anion generation, hydrogen peroxide levels, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activity while total thiol decreased and lipid hydroperoxides did not change. Exercise did not significantly change this scenario. Thus, aging increased oxidative stress in the spinal cord, which may be associated with age-induced changes in gait and balance. Regular low-intensity exercise is a good alternative for improving age-induced changes in balance, while beneficial effects on gait and spinal cord oxidative biomarkers cannot be ruled out because of the small number of rats investigated (n=5 or 6/group).

Desenvolvimento de um modelo preditivo para identificação de perda de estabilidade e ocorrência de proteólise em leite UAT / Development of a predicative model for identification of loss of stability and proteolysis occurrence in UHT milk

Este trabalho se propôs a desenvolver um modelo preditivo para identificação de perda de estabilidade e de sedimentação em leite UAT por determinação da atividade enzimática de aminopeptidase no leite por espectrofotometria. Foram analisadas amostras de leite cru, pasteurizado e UAT após envase durante seis meses, na região Sul do Brasil. Acidez, crioscopia, gordura, extrato seco total, extrato seco desengordurado e densidade foram analisados nos leites cru e pasteurizado. Amostras de leite cru foram ainda submetidas à análise de contagem de psicrotróficos e à atividade de aminopeptidase, e amostras de leite UAT estocadas foram analisadas quanto ao grau de proteólise mediante análises sensoriais e atividade de aminopeptidase. Alterações sensoriais foram observadas em tempos de estocagem menores para amostras originadas de leite cru com contagem de psicrotróficos acima de 107 UFC mL-1. Não houve correlação entre a atividade de aminopeptidase e proteólise e também não foi observada correlação significativa entre os parâmetros físico-químicos e a ocorrência de proteólise no leite estocado. O modelo estudado não foi apto para predizer perda de estabilidade e ocorrência de proteólise no leite UAT.(AU)

The aim of this work was to develop a predictive model for identifying loss of stability and sedimentation in UHT milk by determining the enzymatic activity of aminopeptidasis in milk by spectrophotometry. Samples of raw milk, pasteurized and UHT after filling for 6 months in Southern Brazil were analyzed. Acidity, freezing point, fat, total solids, nonfat solids and density were analyzed in raw and pasteurized milk. Raw milk samples were also subjected to psychrotrophic count analysis and aminopeptidasis activity and UAT samples of stored milk were analyzed for degree of proteolysis through sensory analysis and aminopeptidasis activity. Sensory changes were observed in smaller storage time for samples of raw milk originated with psychrotrophic count above 107 CFU ml-1. There was no correlation between aminopeptidasis activity and proteolysis and there was also no significant correlation between physicochemical parameters and the occurrence of proteolysis in stored milk. The model was unable to predict loss of stability and occurrence of proteolysis in UHT milk.(AU)

Características produtivas, carcaça, cortes e resposta imune humoral de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes fontes de óleo e vitamina E / Productive and humoral immune response of broilers fed with different sources of oil and vitamin E

A adição de óleos na dieta de frangos de corte proporciona muitas vantagens, visto que, dependendo do perfil de ácidos graxos, pode melhorar o desempenho e atuar como estimulante do sistema imune. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características produtivas, o rendimento de carcaça, os cortes e a resposta imune humoral de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes fontes de óleos e vitamina E. Foram utilizados 312 pintainhos de corte machos da linhagem Cobb com um dia de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com oito repetições compostas de 13 aves por parcela experimental. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram em óleo de soja, óleo de canola e óleo de canola mais adição de vitamina E. As variáveis analisadas foram ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça, cortes comerciais e resposta imune humoral. Os resultados obtidos mostram que houve diferença significativa no desempenho somente na fase pré-inicial, quando as aves que receberam o tratamento com óleo de canola e vitamina E apresentaram piores ganhos de peso. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para as outras variáveis analisadas. Conclui-se que a utilização de diferentes fontes lipídicas associadas ou não à vitamina E não afeta as características produtivas de carcaça, cortes e resposta imune humoral em frangos de corte em relação ao uso de óleo de soja.(AU)

Oil inclusion in poultry diets provides many advantages and according to the fatty acid profile it is possible to achieve performance improvement as well as immune system stimulation. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate productive performance, carcass and cuts yields and also the humoral immune response of broilers consuming diets formulated with different oil sources and vitamin E. A total of 312 one-day old male Cobb was distributed, in a completely randomized design, in three treatments with eight replications of 13 birds. The experimental treatments were the diets that had different oil source as follows: soybean oil, canola oil and canola oils with vitamin E. The analyzed parameters were weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass and cut yields and humoral immune response. For the treatment with canola oil and vitamin E a reduction on weight gain during the pre-starter stage was observed. For the other evaluated parameters, no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, the use of canola oil or canola oil with added vitamin E does not affect the productive performance, carcass and cut yields and humoral immune response in broiler chicken in relation soybean oil use.(AU)

Tempo de destilação e perfil volátil do óleo essencial de aroeira da praia (Schinus terebinthifolius) em Sergipe / Distillation time and volatile profile of the essential oil of Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) in Sergipe, Brazil

Aos frutos e óleos essenciais da aroeira da praia (Schinus terebinthifolius) atribui-se atividade antimicrobiana sobre bactérias gram positivas além de ação anti-inflamatória. O óleo essencial da aroeira é utilizado no tratamento de micoses, sendo a sua atividade antifúngica atribuída à alta concentração de monoterpenos. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar o melhor rendimento de destilação de óleo essencial de sementes e folhas da aroeira e os componentes químicos do óleo essencial nos diversos períodos de destilação. Cem gramas de cada material foram destilados em aparato de Clevenger durante 2,5h, 4,0h, 5,5h e 7,0h. O material destilado foi analisado por cromatografia a gás acoplada a espectrofotômetro de massas, onde foi obtido o perfil cromatográfico do material. As sementes de aroeira apresentaram maiores quantidades de óleo essencial, quando comparadas com as folhas em todos os períodos de destilação. O óleo essencial de aroeira mostrou perfil volátil formado principalmente por mono e sesquiterpenos.

The fruits and essential oils of Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) have antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria, as well as anti-inflammatory action. The essential oil of Brazilian pepper is used to treat fungal infections, and its antifungal activity is attributed to the high concentration of monoterpenes. This study aimed to determine the best yield of distillation of the essential oil of seeds and leaves of Brazilian pepper and the chemical components of the essential oil in different periods of distillation. One hundred grams of each material were distilled in Clevenger apparatus for 2.5 h, 4.0 h, 5.5 h and 7.0 h. The distilled material was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer, where the chromatographic profile of the material was obtained. Seeds of Brazilian pepper showed higher amounts of essential oils when compared with the leaves in all the periods of distillation. The essential oil of Brazilian pepper showed a profile consisting mainly of volatile mono- and sesquiterpenes.

Induction of cell migration and activation in mice by the freshwater sponge Drulia uruguayensis Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago, 1968 (Porifera: Metaniidae)

Freshwater sponges are abundant in the Amazon region and they have been known to cause dermatitis (acute inflammation) since the beginning of the 20th century. To determine whether additional constituents, besides their body spicules, cause dermatological reactions in humans, an experimental study was developed and carried out using mice and Drulia uruguayensis prepared in three different forms: intact sponges (IS), macerated sponges (MS) or isolated spicules - megascleres (ISM). The cells most commonly involved in inflammatory reactions (mast cells, eosinophils and neutrophils), as well as intraepithelial lymphocytes and degranulated mast cells, were counted so that they could be used as parameters to determine which of the sponge preparations induced the greatest reaction. The effects of the sponge on the skin were then determined by histological analysis. The results obtained showed that IS caused the greatest inflammatory reaction (p = 0.000005), activating mainly mast cells (p = 0.0018). The histopathological analysis revealed a slight loss of continuity of the epidermis when ISM or IS were applied. These findings allow us to conclude that a structurally intact sponge can cause a greater inflammatory reaction in the first contact because of its ability to perforate the skin and allow inflammatory agents to enter. Other proteins present in dried sponge bodies could induce allergic but not toxic responses (in contact with the entire sponge, a large number of pharmacologically inert proteins may be introduced, with a potential allergen).

Nitrogênio e fósforo no desenvolvimento inicial da guavira [Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess. ) O. Berg] cultivada em vasos / Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus supply on initial development of guavira [Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess. ) O. Berg] cultivated in pots

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento inicial da guavira (Campomanesia adamantium) cultivada sob diferentes doses de fósforo e nitrogênio. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, em Dourados-MS. Foram estudadas cinco doses de fósforo (20, 120, 200, 280 e 380 kg ha-1), na forma de superfosfato simples e cinco doses de nitrogênio (6, 36, 60, 84 e 114 kg ha-1), na forma de sulfato de amônio. Os tratamentos foram definidos utilizando-se a matriz experimental Plan Puebla III, dando origem a nove combinações, respectivamente, de doses de fósforo e de nitrogênio (kg ha-1): 280 e 84; 280 e 36; 120 e 6; 120 e 36; 120 e 84; 200 e 60; 380 e 84, 20 e 36 e 280 e 114. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. A unidade experimental foi composta por cinco vasos, com uma planta por vaso. A colheita das plantas foi feita aos 270 dias após o transplante (DAT). Sob as maiores doses de P e N utilizadas observaram-se as maiores alturas de plantas (38,12 cm), aos 261 DAT; o maior número de folhas por planta (54), aos 186 DAT; a maior massa seca de folhas (5,68 g planta-1), a maior área foliar (610 cm² planta-1), a maior massa seca de raiz (6,2 g planta-1) e o maior número de ramos (3 planta-1) aos 270 DAT. O teor de clorofila foi em média de 36 ICF. Recomenda-se o uso de 380 kg ha-1 de fósforo e de 114 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio para o melhor desenvolvimento inicial da guavira.

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the initial development of Campomanesia adamantium grown under different phosphorus and nitrogen rates. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados-MS. It was studied five phosphorus rates (20, 120, 200, 280 and 380 kg ha-1) in the form of superphosphate and five nitrogen rates (6, 36, 60, 84 and 114 kg ha-1) in the form of ammonium sulfate. Treatments were defined using the Plan Puebla experimental matrix, resulting in nine combinations, respectively, of phosphorus and nitrogen (kg ha-1): 280 and 84, 280 and 36, 120 and 6, 120 and 36, 120 and 84, 200 and 60, 380 and 84, 20 and 36 and 280 and 114. The experimental design was randomized block with four replications. Experimental unit consisted of five vessels, with one plant per pot. The trial harvest was carried out 270 days after transplanting (DAT). Highest rates of N and P resulted on the greatest plant height (38.12 cm) reached after 261 DAT, maximum number of leaves per plant (54) at 186 DAT, highest dry weight of leaves (13.99 and 5.68 g plant-1) and root (15.9 and 6.2 g plant-1), greatest leaf area (610 cm² plant-1) and number of branches (3 planta-1), all at 270 DAT. The average of Chlorophyll levels was 36 ICF. Thus, it's recommend the supply of high doses of phosphorus (380 kg ha-1) and nitrogen (114 kg ha-1) for guavira cultivation.

MMP-1 polymorphism and its relationship to pathological processes.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc (Zn)-dependent endopeptidases that are collectively capable of cleaving virtually all extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates and play an important role in diverse physiological and pathological processes. The activity of MMPs is regulated at multiple levels. The transcriptional regulation of MMP appears to represent the key step in MMP regulation. There are diverse types of MMPs that differ structural and functionally. MMP-1 is the most ubiquitously expressed interstitial collagenase and has a prominent role in initial cleavage of the ECM. The level of MMP-1 expression can be infl uenced by different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region. A functional polymorphism at position –1607 has been shown to alter the transcriptional activity of MMP-1 and was associated with diverse pathological processes. The aim of our review was to discuss some topics related to MMP in physiological and pathological processes, with a focus on MMP-1 polymorphism.

Influência do uso de contraceptivos orais nos níveis lipídicos e nas respostas cardiorrespiratórias de mulheres saudáveis e sedentárias / Influence of oral contraceptive use on lipid levels and cardiorespiratory responses among healthy sedentary women

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do uso de contraceptivos orais (CO) sobre os níveis lipídicos, a variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (VFC) e a capacidade aeróbia em mulheres jovens sedentárias. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Vinte mulheres saudáveis (23,55±1,88 anos), sendo dez que utilizam CO (GT) e dez que não utilizam CO (GC). Protocolos: teste ergoespirométrico (TE), em cicloergômetro para determinar a capacidade aeróbia no limiar de anaerobiose (LA) e no pico do exercício; captação da FC e dos intervalos R-R (iRR) nas posições supina e sentada durante 15 minutos; análise bioquímica de sangue. Os índices dos iRR(ms) foram analisados no domínio do tempo (DT), RMSSD, RMSM e pNN50( por cento) e no domínio da freqüência (DF), usando a transformada rápida de Fourier a partir das bandas de baixa freqüência (BF) e alta freqüência (AF), em unidades normalizadas (un), e a razão a BF/AF. Estatística: Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, α=5 por cento. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de triglicérides e de colesterol do GT foram superiores aos do GC (p<0,05). No LA e no pico do exercício, a potência (W), o consumo de oxigênio, a produção de dióxido de carbono, a razão VO2/VCO2, a ventilação pulmonar e a freqüência cardíaca (FC) foram semelhantes (p>0,05) entre os grupos. Os índices da VFC no DT e no DF da posição supina e sentada intergrupos foram semelhantes. CONCLUSÕES: O uso de CO não influenciou na capacidade aeróbia e na modulação autonômica da FC, mas influenciou nos níveis de colesterol total e triglicérides. Estas avaliações são importantes para a determinação de protocolos de treinamento físico na prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of oral contraceptive use on lipid levels, heart rate (HR) variability and aerobic capacity among sedentary young women. METHODS: The subjects were 20 healthy women (23.55±1.88 years): ten used oral contraceptives (TG) and ten did not (CG). Ergospirometric test on a cycle ergometer was used to determine the aerobic capacity at the anaerobic threshold and at the exercise peak. In addition, recordings of HR and R-R (iRR) intervals in the supine and seated positions, for 15 minutes, and biochemical blood analysis were performed. The iRR (ms) indices were analyzed in the time domain (TD) for RMSSD, RMSM and pNN50 ( percent), and in the frequency domain (FD) using fast Fourier transforms from low (LF) and high (HF) frequency bands in normalized units, obtaining the LF/HF ratio. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis, with α=5 percent, were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the TG were greater than those in the CG (p<0.05). At the anaerobic threshold and at the exercise peak, the power (W), oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), (VO2/VCO2) ratio, pulmonary ventilation and HR were not significantly different between the groups. The indices for HR variability in the TD and FD for the two groups in the supine and seated positions were also not different. CONCLUSIONS: The use of oral contraceptives did not influence the aerobic capacity or the autonomic modulation of the HR. However, it influenced the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These assessments are important for determining protocols for physical training for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Age-related biological activity of south american rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) venom

An in vitro and in vivo comparative study was performed on the effects of Crotalus durissus terrificus venoms from a mother and its 15 newborns. The venoms were tested for protein content, lethality, proteolytic, myotoxic, hemorrhagic, and phospholipase A2 activity. The minimum coagulant dose in plasma and human fibrinogen, protrhombin, and Factor II activations were analyzed. The venoms were also analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). This showed that despite similar total protein content, the biological effects of the venoms were different. Venom from young snakes exhibited higher enzymatic and coagulant activities and higher myotoxicity compared to the mother's. In addition, the PLA2 content paralleled myotoxicity. However, no difference could be detected in their toxicity (LD50 0.08 mg/Kg). High incidence of blood coagulation disorders and elevated circulating myoglobin may characterize systemic envenoming by young C. d. terrificus.

Manifestaçöes oculares do paciente infectado pelo HIV atendido no Departamento de Oftalmologia da Universidade Federal de Säo Paulo / Ocular manifestations of the HIV infected patients at the Departamento de Oftalmologia da Universidade Federal de Säo Paulo

Objetivo. Avaliar as manifestações oculares do paciente HIV positivo. Materiais e Métodos. É um estudo retrospectivo em 1100 pacientes ambulatoriais HIV positivo em três anos com ficha padrão e exame oftalmológico completo, atendidos no Departamento de Oftalmologia da Escola Paulista de Medicina. Resultados. Dos 1100 pacientes, 869 (79 por cento) eram do sexo masculino e 231 (21 por cento) do feminino. Os fatores de risco mais importantes foram: homossexualidade masculina em 303 (27,55 por cento), heterossexualidade em 272 (24,73 por cento), usuários de drogas endovenosas em 168 (15,27 por cento) e causa indeterminada ou não revelada em 246 (22,36 por cento). As queixas oculares mais freqüentes foram: 432 (39,27 por cento) pacientes com baixa da acuidade visual; 138 (12,55 por cento) com embaçamento visual; 64 (5,82 por cento) com dor ocular, 186 (16,9 por cento) com queixas inespecíficas e 235 (21,36 por cento) pacientes não apresentavam qualquer queixa. As manifestações oculares mais freqüentes foram: retinite por CMV em 246 (22,36 por cento) dos pacientes; exsudatos algodonosos em 110 (10 por cento), blefarite em 51 (4,64 por cento) e toxoplasmose ocular em 48 (4,36 por cento). Conlcusão. Houve progressão da doença entre os heterossexuais e aumento da incidência no sexo feminino nesta população estudada. Os que apresentavam queixas oculares foram a maioria. A manifestação ocular mais freqüente foi a retinite por CMV em 246 (22,36 por cento). Encontramos 10 por cento de exsudatos algodonosos.

Endoscopia y embarazo: Registro de las alteraciones tococardiográficas del producto durante el procedimiento, como índice de seguridad / Pregnancy and endoscopy: Tococardiographic alteration registered during endocospy

La esofagogastroduodenoscopia (EGD) ha demostrado ser un procedimiento seguro y útil. Su uso durante el embarazo no ha sido aceptado. El registro tococardiográfico de la frecuencia cardíaca fetal es un índice confiable del bienestar del producto, y sus alteraciones muestran el sufrimiento fetal. Se realizo un estudio prospectivo y logitudinal en 75 mujeres embarazadas, con sintomatología gastrointestinal superior, las cuales se sometieron a procedimiento endoscópico con monitoreo tococardiográfico. El promedio de edad fue de 26.6 años. 27 pacientes (49.3 por ciento) se encontraban entre la semana 20 y 27 de gestación 23 (30.6 por ciento) entre la semana 28 y 35). 15 pacientes (20 por ciento) entre la semana 36 y 42. Se registro bradicardía transitoria leve en 45 productos (60 por ciento), taquicardía transitoria en 15 (20 por ciento) y no se presentaron alteraciones 15 productos (20 por ciento). No se registro ninguna complicación durante el procedimiento ni durante el periodo de seguimiento hasta el momento del parto. Concluimos que el procedimiento de EGD realizado en las mujeres embarazadas es un procedimiento seguro y útil, y que no representa riesgo para la madre ni el producto.

Algumas características morfológicas normais do sistema nervoso central de leitöes natimortos intraparto / Some morphological characteristics of the central nervous system of stillborn piglets

Estudaram-se algumas características morfológicas do sistema nervoso central (SNC) de 51 leitöes natimortos intraparto. Macroscopicamente, verificou-se achatamento moderado das circunvoluçöes cerebrais, associado a textura flácida do parênquima, lembrando gelatina. A microscopia, havia grande concentraçäo de células gliais na placa subependinária, assim como vários nódulos gliais em algumas camadas do córtex cerebral. Além disto, foi comum a presença de neurônios hipercromáticos disseminados pelo parênquima nervoso, devido a artefato. O conhecimento destas particularidades normais é importante para evitar que sejam interpretadas como lesäo

Ocorrência de malformaçöes congênitas em leitöes natimortos intraparto / Congenital malformation occurrence in stillborn piglets

Em 51 leitöes natimortos examinados, encontraram-se 21,56 por cento de malformaçöes congênitas. As mais numerosas ocorreram no sistema urinário, 13,72 por cento, seguidas das digestivas, 5,88 por cento e da circulatória, 1,96 por cento. As alteraçöes das vias urinárias foram classificadas como hidroureter, 7,84 por cento, e hidronefrose, 5,88 por cento. O segundo grupo de alteraçöes englobou os cistos hepáticos e pancreáticos, com 5,88 por cento de ocorrências. A anomalia circulatória, 1,96 por cento, foi diagnosticada como persistência do arco aórtico direito. Observou-se presença concomitante de mais de uma alteraçäo em um mesmo indivíduo

Immunization of equines with phospholipase A2 protects against the lethal effects of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom

Equines (2 horses and 2 donkeyes) immunized with whole Crotalus durissus terrificus venom or its phospholipase A2 component either presented an increased survival time determined 3 days after challenge or were totally resistant to a challenging lethal dose of 200 mg crude venom 270 days after the initial immunization or 90 days after the last booster injection. the resistance was demonstrable on the basis of a good correlation with antibody titers determined by the ELISA method but not with the flocculation and neutralization assays. Since phospholipase A2 is essentially montoxic, it can be used as a substitute for whole venom for the production of commercial antisera ad as an immuniaing agent in prophylalctic progams