Effect of a calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicament containing N-2-methyl pyrrolidone as a vehicle against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm

Abstract This study investigated the effect of a calcium hydroxide (CH) paste (CleaniCal®) containing N-2-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) as a vehicle on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilms compared with other products containing saline (Calasept Plus™) or propylene glycol (PG) (Calcipex II®). Methodology Standardized bovine root canal specimens were used. The antibacterial effects were measured by colony-forming unit counting. The thickness of bacterial microcolonies and exopolysaccharides was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Morphological features of the biofilms were observed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Bovine tooth blocks covered with nail polish were immersed into the vehicles and dispelling was observed. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (p<0.05). Results CleaniCal® showed the highest antibacterial activity, followed by Calcipex II® (p<0.05). Moreover, NMP showed a higher antibacterial effect compared with PG (p<0.05). The thickness of bacteria and EPS in the CleaniCal® group was significantly lower than that of other materials tested (p<0.05). FE-SEM images showed the specimens treated with Calasept Plus™ were covered with biofilms, whereas the specimens treated with other medicaments were not. Notably, the specimen treated with CleaniCal® was cleaner than the one treated with Calcipex II®. Furthermore, the nail polish on the bovine tooth block immersed in NMP was completely dispelled. Conclusions CleaniCal® performed better than Calasept Plus™ and Calcipex II® in the removal efficacy of E. faecalis biofilms. The results suggest the effect might be due to the potent dissolving effect of NMP on organic substances.

A new organ preservation solution for static cold storage of the liver. Amniotic fluid

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of amniotic fluid in liver preservation in organ transplantation, and compare it with standard preservation solutions. Methods: The groups consisted of Group 1: Ringer Lactate (RL) group, Group 2: HTK group, Group 3: UW group, Group 4: AF group. The livers of rats from Group 1, 2, 3, and 4 were perfused and placed into falcon tubes containing RL, HTK, UW, and AF solutions at +4‎°C, respectively. The tubes were stored for 12 hours in the refrigerator at +4°C. Tissue samples were taken at the 6th and 12th hours for histopathological examinations of the perfused livers, and storage solutions for biochemical analyzes at 6th and 12th hours. Results: AF was shown to maintain organ viability by reducing the number of cells undergoing apoptosis. Histopathological changes such as sinusoidal dilatation, hydropic degeneration, and focal necrosis were found to be similar to the groups in which the standard organ preservation solutions were used. Additionally, the results of INOS, IL-10, and TNF-α,which were evaluated immunohistochemically, have been shown to be similar to the UW and HTK groups. Conclusions: AF provided conservation similar to UW and HTK in the 12-hour liver SCS process. The fact that apoptosis values are comparable to standard preservation solutions supports the success of AF in the cold storage of the liver.

Caracterización de las potenciales interacciones farmacológicas en pacientes de una unidad de cuidados intensivos en un hospital de tercer nivel de Bogotá / Characterization of potential drug-drug interactions in patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Bogotá

Resumen Introducción. Las interacciones farmacológicas ocurren con mayor frecuencia en las unidades de cuidados intensivos que en otros servicios. Sin embargo, en Colombia son pocos los estudios en que se han evaluado en pacientes críticamente enfermos. Objetivos. Caracterizar las potenciales interacciones farmacológicas en las prescripciones de pacientes hospitalizados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos y determinar los factores asociados con su aparición. Materiales y métodos. Se analizó una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes hospitalizados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos, durante un periodo de siete meses. Las prescripciones diarias se evaluaron en busca de potenciales interacciones farmacológicas mediante el programa Lexicomp™. Se calculó la incidencia de interacciones, se clasificaron según su tipo, gravedad y grado de documentación, y se evaluaron los factores asociados con su aparición mediante regresión logística. Resultados. La proporción de pacientes con por lo menos una interacción fue de 84 %, en tanto que el 87 % presentó más de una interacción; la mediana fue de seis interacciones por paciente. La más frecuente fue entre el fentanilo y el midazolam (23 %). Las interacciones de gravedad y grado de documentación moderados fueron las más frecuentes (77,6 y 52,6 %, respectivamente). El fármaco índice más frecuente fue el midazolam (12 %) y el precipitante más frecuente, el fentanilo (10,6 %). La edad (odds ratio, OR=3,1) y el número de medicamentos (OR=11,8), se asociaron con la aparición de interacciones. Conclusiones. Dada su elevada frecuencia y potencial impacto negativo es importante vigilar sistemáticamente las prescripciones en cuidados intensivos para detectar las interacciones, con el fin de contribuir al uso racional de los medicamentos y a mejorar la calidad de la atención.

Abstract Introduction: Drug-drug interactions occur more frequently in intensive care units than in other services. However, in Colombia, there are few studies on this problem in critically ill patients. Objectives: To characterize potential drug-drug interactions generated from prescriptions during hospitalization in an intensive care unit and to determine factors associated with their onset. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort was assembled with patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit for a seven-month period. The daily prescription was assessed for potential drugdrug interactions using the Lexicomp® program. We calculated the incidence of interactions, classified them by type, severity, and level of documentation, and evaluated the factors associated with their onset using logistic regression. Results: The proportion of patients with at least one interaction was 84% while 87% had more than one interaction; the median was six interactions per patient. The most frequent was fentanyl and midazolam (23%). Moderate interactions were the most frequent by severity (77.6%) and by documentation (52.6%). The most common index and precipitating drugs were midazolam (12%) and fentanyl (10.6%), respectively. Age (OR=3.1) and the number of drugs (OR=11.8) were associated with the occurrence of interactions. Conclusions: Given their high frequency and potential negative impact, the systematic monitoring of prescriptions in intensive care units to detect interactions is important. Such monitoring contributes to the rational use of medicines and to improve the quality of care.

Habituation of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus to Origanum vulgare L. essential oil does not induce direct-tolerance and cross-tolerance to salts and organic acids

Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus strains that were isolated from foods were investigated for their ability to develop direct-tolerance and cross-tolerance to sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA) after habituation in sublethal amounts (1/2 of the minimum inhibitory concentration - 1/2 MIC and 1/4 of the minimum inhibitory concentration - 1/4 MIC) of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OVEO). The habituation of S. aureus to 1/2 MIC and 1/4 MIC of OVEO did not induce direct-tolerance or cross-tolerance in the tested strains, as assessed by modulation of MIC values. Otherwise, exposing the strains to OVEO at sublethal concentrations maintained or increased the sensitivity of the cells to the tested stressing agents because the MIC values of OVEO, NaCl, KCl, LA and AA against the cells that were previously habituated to OVEO remained the same or decreased when compared with non-habituated cells. These data indicate that OVEO does not have an inductive effect on the acquisition of direct-tolerance or cross-tolerance in the tested enterotoxigenic strains of S. aureus to antimicrobial agents that are typically used in food preservation.

Relaxant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of Ruta graveolens on isolated rat tracheal rings

BACKGROUND: Ruta graveolens L. (R. graveolens) is a medicinal plant employed in non-traditional medicines that has various therapeutic properties, including anthelmintic, and vasodilatory actions, among others. We evaluated the trachea-relaxant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of R. graveolens against potassium chloride (KCl)- and carbachol-induced contraction of rat tracheal rings in an isolated organ bath. RESULTS: The results showed that the airway smooth muscle contraction induced by the depolarizing agent (KCl) and cholinergic agonist (carbachol) was markedly reduced by R. graveolens in a concentration-dependent manner, with maximum values of 109 ± 7.9 % and 118 ± 2.6 %, respectively (changes in tension expressed as positive percentages of change in proportion to maximum contraction), at the concentration of 45 µg/mL (half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC50: 35.5 µg/mL and 27.8 µg/mL for KCl- and carbachol-induced contraction, respectively). Additionally, the presence of R. graveolens produced rightward parallel displacement of carbachol dose-response curves and reduced over 35 % of the maximum smooth muscle contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The hydroalcoholic extract of R. graveolens exhibited relaxant activity on rat tracheal rings. The results suggest that the trachea-relaxant effect is mediated by a non-competitive antagonistic mechanism. More detailed studies are needed to identify the target of the inhibition, and to determine more precisely the pharmacological mechanisms involved in the observed biological effects.

Comparação da dimensão fractal e entropia de Shannon em miócitos de ratos submetidos à cardioplegia utilizando solução histidina-triptofano-cetoglutarato e histidina-triptofano com glutamato / Comparison of fractal dimension and Shannon entropy in myocytes from rats treated with histidine-tryptophan-glutamate and histidine-tryptophan cetoglutarate

Introdução: As soluções que provocam parada cardíaca eletiva estão em constante evolução, porém, o composto ideal ainda não foi encontrado. Os autores comparam uma nova solução cardioplégica com histidina-triptofano-glutamato (Grupo 2) com histidina-triptofano-cetoglutarato (Grupo 1) em modelo de coração isolado de rato. Objetivo: Quantificar a dimensão fractal e entropia de Shannon em miócitos de rato submetidos à cardioplegia utilizando solução histidina-triptofano com glutamato em modelo experimental, considerando-se os marcadores caspase, IL-8 e Ki-67. Métodos: Vinte ratos machos de raça Wistar foram anestesiados e heparinizados. O tórax foi aberto, realizado cardiectomia e infundido 40 ml/Kg de solução cardioplégica apropriada. Os corações foram mantidos por 2 horas na mesma solução a 4ºC e, após esse período, colocados em aparato de Langendorff por 30 minutos com solução de Ringer Locke. Foram feitas análises imunohistoquímicas para caspase, IL-8 e KI-67. Resultados: A dimensão fractal e a entropia de Shannon dos corações submetidos à parada cardíaca eletiva nos grupos 1 e 2 não foram diferentes. Conclusão: A quantidade de informações avaliada pela entropia de Shannon e a distribuição das mesmas (dada pela dimensão fractal) nas lâminas de coração de rato submetidas à cardioplegia com solução histidina-triptofano-acetoglutarato ou histidina-triptofano-glutamato não foram diferentes, o que mostra que a solução de histidina-triptofano-glutamato é tão boa quanto a histidina-triptofano-cetoglutarato na preservação dos miócitos em modelo de coração isolado de rato. .

Introduction: Solutions that cause elective cardiac arrest are constantly evolving, but the ideal compound has not yet been found. The authors compare a new cardioplegic solution with histidine-tryptophan-glutamate (Group 2) and other one with histidine-tryptophan-cetoglutarate (Group 1) in a model of isolated rat heart. Objective: To quantify the fractal dimension and Shannon entropy in rat myocytes subjected to cardioplegia solution using histidine-tryptophan with glutamate in an experimental model, considering the caspase markers, IL-8 and KI-67. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were anesthetized and heparinized. The chest was opened, the heart was withdrawn and 40 ml/kg of cardioplegia (with histidine-tryptophan-cetoglutarate or histidine-tryptophan-glutamate solution) was infused. The hearts were kept for 2 hours at 4ºC in the same solution, and thereafter placed in the Langendorff apparatus for 30 min with Ringer-Locke solution. Analyzes were performed for immunohistochemical caspase, IL-8 and KI-67. Results: The fractal dimension and Shannon entropy were not different between groups histidine-tryptophan-glutamate and histidine-tryptophan-acetoglutarate. Conclusion: The amount of information measured by Shannon entropy and the distribution thereof (given by fractal dimension) of the slices treated with histidine-tryptophan-cetoglutarate and histidine-tryptophan-glutamate were not different, showing that the histidine-tryptophan-glutamate solution is as good as histidine-tryptophan-acetoglutarate to preserve myocytes in isolated rat heart. .

Development of cardioplegic solution without potassium: experimental study in rat / Desenvolvimento de solução cardioplégica sem potássio: estudo experimental em ratos

INTRODUCTION: Myocardial preservation during open heart surgeries and harvesting for transplant are of great importance. The heart at the end of procedure has to resume its functions as soon as possible. All cardioplegic solutions are based on potassium for induction of cardioplegic arrest. OBJECTIVE: To assess a cardioplegic solution with no potassium addition to the formula with two other commercially available cardioplegic solutions. The comparative assessment was based on cytotoxicity, adenosine triphosphate myocardial preservation, and caspase 3 activity. The tested solution (LIRM) uses low doses of sodium channel blocker (lidocaine), potassium channel opener (cromakalin), and actin/myosin cross bridge inhibitor (2,3-butanedione monoxime). METHODS: Wistar rats underwent thoracotomy under mechanical ventilation and three different solutions were used for "in situ" perfusion for cardioplegic arrest induction: Custodiol (HTK), Braile (G/A), and LIRM solutions. After cardiac arrest, the hearts were excised and kept in cold storage for 4 hours. After this period, the hearts were assessed with optical light microscopy, myocardial ATP content and caspase 3 activity. All three solutions were evaluated for direct cytotoxicity with L929 and WEHI-164 cells. RESULTS: The ATP content was higher in the Custodiol group compared to two other solutions (P<0.05). The caspase activity was lower in the HTK group compared to LIRM and G/A solutions (P<0.01). The LIRM solution showed lower caspase activity compared to Braile solution (P<0.01). All solutions showed no cytotoxicity effect after 24 hours of cells exposure to cardioplegic solutions. CONCLUSION: Cardioplegia solutions without potassium are promised and aminoacid addition might be an interesting strategy. More evaluation is necessary for an optimal cardioplegic solution development.

INTRODUÇÃO: Preservação do miocárdio durante cirurgias cardíacas abertas e de colheita para transplante são de grande importância. O coração ao final do processo tem de retomar as suas funções, logo que possível. Todas as soluções cardioplégicas são baseadas em potássio, para indução de parada cardioplégica. OBJETIVO: Comparar a uma solução cardioplégica sem adição de potássio à sua fórmula com duas outras soluções cardioplégicas disponíveis comercialmente. A avaliação comparativa foi baseada na citotoxicidade, preservação miocárdica (adenosina trifosfato, ATP) e atividade da caspase 3. A solução testada (LIRM) utiliza baixas doses de bloqueador de canal de sódio (lidocaína), abridor do canal de potássio (cromacalina) e inibidor da ponte actina/miosina (2,3-butanodiona monoxima). MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar foram submetidos à toracotomia sob ventilação mecânica e três soluções diferentes foram utilizadas para perfusão in situ para a indução de parada cardioplégica: soluções Custodiol (HTK) Braile (G/A) e LIRM. Após parada cardíaca, os corações foram retirados e mantidos em câmara fria por 4 horas. Após esse período, o coração foi avaliado com microscopia de luz ótica, o conteúdo de ATP miocárdico e atividade da caspase 3. Todas as três soluções foram avaliadas quanto à citotoxicidade direta com células L929 e WEHI-164. RESULTADOS: A quantidade de ATP foi maior no grupo Custodiol em comparação às com outras duas soluções (P<0,05). A atividade de caspase foi menor no grupo HTK quando comparado às soluções LIRM e G/A (P<0,01). A solução LIRM demonstrou menor atividade da caspase em comparação à solução Braile (P<0,01). Todas as soluções não mostraram qualquer efeito de citotoxicidade após 24 horas de exposição das células às soluções cardioplégicas. CONCLUSÃO: Soluções cardioplégicas sem potássio são uma perspectiva e a adição de aminoácido pode ser uma estratégia interessante. Mais avaliações são necessárias para o desenvolvimento ideal da solução cardioplégica.

Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of ethanol extract of stem barks from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam in rats.

Administration of ethanol extract of stem bark from Z. rhoifolium (EEtOH-ZR) induced hypotension associated with a dual effect in heart rate in normotensive rats. This response was highlighted in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In rat superior mesenteric artery rings, the cumulative addition of EEtOH-ZR (0.1–750 µg/mL) on a phenylephrine-induced pre-contraction (10-5 M) promoted a vasorelaxant effect by a concentration-dependent manner and independent of vascular endothelium. A similar effect was obtained on KCl-induced pre-contractions (80 mM). EEtOH-ZR attenuated contractions induced by cumulative addition of CaCl2 (10-6–3 × 10-2 M) in depolarizing medium without Ca2+ only at 500 or 750 µg/mL. Likewise, on S-(–)-Bay K 8644-induced pre-contractions (10-7 M), the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxant effect was attenuated. EEtOH-ZR (27, 81, 243 or 500 µg/mL) inhibited contractions induced by cumulative addition of phenylephrine (10-9 - 10-5 M) in endothelium-denuded preparations or by a single concentration (10-5 M) in a Ca2+-free medium. The involvement of K+ channels was evaluated by tetraethylammonium (3 mM); the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxation was not attenuated. Thus, calcium influx blockade through voltage-operated calcium channels (CaVL) and inhibition of calcium release from intracellular stores are probably underlying EEtOH-ZR-induced cardiovascular effects.

Modelo experimental de perfusão pulmonar ex vivo em ratos: avaliação histopatológica e de apoptose celular em pulmões preservados com solução de baixo potássio dextrana vs. solução histidina-triptofano-cetoglutarato / An experimental rat model of ex vivo lung perfusion for the assessment of lungs regarding histopathological findings and apoptosis: low-potassium dextran vs. histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate

OBJETIVO: Comparar os achados histopatológicos e de apoptose em pulmões de ratos preservados em soluções low-potassium dextran (LPD, baixo potássio dextrana), histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK, histidina-triptofano-cetoglutarato) ou salina normal (SN) em 6 h e 12 h de isquemia pela utilização de um modelo experimental de perfusão pulmonar ex vivo. MÉTODOS: Sessenta ratos Wistar foram anestesiados, randomizados e submetidos à perfusão anterógrada pela artéria pulmonar com uma das soluções preservadoras. Após a extração, os blocos cardiopulmonares foram preservados por 6 ou 12 h a 4ºC, sendo então reperfundidos com sangue homólogo em um sistema de perfusão ex vivo durante 60 min. Ao final da reperfusão, fragmentos do lobo médio foram extraídos e processados para histopatologia, sendo avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: congestão, edema alveolar, hemorragia alveolar, hemorragia, infiltrado inflamatório e infiltrado intersticial. O grau de apoptose foi avaliado pelo método TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. RESULTADOS: A histopatologia demonstrou que todos os pulmões preservados com SN apresentaram edema alveolar após 12 h de isquemia. Não houve diferenças em relação ao grau de apoptose nos grupos estudados. CONCLUSÕES: No presente estudo, os achados histopatológicos e de apoptose foram semelhantes com o uso das soluções LPD e HTK, enquanto a presença de edema foi significativamente maior com o uso de SN.

OBJECTIVE: To compare histopathological findings and the degree of apoptosis among rat lungs preserved with low-potassium dextran (LPD) solution, histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution, or normal saline (NS) at two ischemia periods (6 h and 12 h) using an experimental rat model of ex vivo lung perfusion. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats were anesthetized, randomized, and submitted to antegrade perfusion via pulmonary artery with one of the preservation solutions. Following en bloc extraction, the heart-lung blocks were preserved for 6 h or 12 h at 4ºC and then reperfused with homologous blood for 60 min in an ex vivo lung perfusion system. At the end of the reperfusion, fragments of the middle lobe were extracted and processed for histopathological examination. The parameters evaluated were congestion, alveolar edema, alveolar hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltrate, and interstitial infiltrate. The degree of apoptosis was assessed using the TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling method. RESULTS: The histopathological examination showed that all of the lungs preserved with NS presented alveolar edema after 12 h of ischemia. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of the degree of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the histopathological and apoptosis findings were similar with the use of either LPD or HTK solutions, whereas the occurrence of edema was significantly more common with the use of NS.

Comparative experimental study of myocardial protection with crystalloid solutions for heart transplantation / Estudo comparativo experimental da proteção miocárdica com soluções cristalóides para transplante cardíaco

BACKGROUND: There is a growing need to improve myocardial protection, which will lead to better performance of cardiac operations and reduce morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of myocardial protection solution using both intracellular and extracellular crystalloid type regarding the performance of the electrical conduction system, left ventricular contractility and edema, after being subjected to ischemic arrest and reperfusion. METHODS: Hearts isolated from male Wistar (n=32) rats were prepared using Langendorff method and randomly divided equally into four groups according the cardioprotective solutions used Krebs-Henseleit-Buffer (KHB), Bretschneider-HTK (HTK), St. Thomas-1 (STH-1) and Celsior (CEL). After stabilization with KHB at 37ºC, baseline values (control) were collected for heart rate (HR), left ventricle systolic pressure (LVSP), maximum first derivate of rise left ventricular pressure (+dP/dt), maximum first derivate of fall left ventricular pressure (-dP/dt) and coronary flow (CF). The hearts were then perfused at 10ºC for 5 min and kept for 2 h in static ischemia at 20ºC in each cardioprotective solution. Data evaluation was done using analysis of variance in completely randomized One-Way ANOVA and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. The level of statistical significance chosen was P<0.05. RESULTS: HR was restored with all the solutions used. The evaluation of left ventricular contractility (LVSP, +dP/ dt and -dP/dt) showed that treatment with CEL solution was better compared to other solutions. When analyzing the CF, the HTK solution showed better protection against edema. CONCLUSION: Despite the cardioprotective crystalloid solutions studied are not fully able to suppress the deleterious effects of ischemia and reperfusion in the rat heart, the CEL solution had significantly higher results followed by HTK>KHB>STH-1.

INTRODUÇÃO: Existe crescente necessidade de aprimorar a proteção miocárdica, para melhor desempenho das operações cardíacas e diminuição da morbimortalidade. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficácia da proteção miocárdica usando tanto solução cristaloide tipo intracelular como extracelular quanto ao desempenho do sistema de condução elétrica, contratilidade do ventrículo esquerdo e edema, após parada isquêmica e posterior reperfusão. MÉTODOS: Corações isolados de ratos Wistar foram montados em Langendorff e aleatoriamente divididos em quatro grupos. de acordo com as soluções cardioprotetoras utilizadas Krebs-Henseleit-Buffer (KHB), Bretschneider-HTK (HTK), St. Thomas-1(STH-1) e Celsior (CEL). Após a estabilização com KHB a 37ºC, valores basais (controle) foram coletados para frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo (PSVE), derivada máxima de aumento da pressão ventricular esquerda (+dP/dt), derivada máxima de queda da pressão ventricular esquerda (-dP/dt) e fluxo coronariano (FCo). Os corações foram então perfundidos a 10ºC por 5 min e mantidos por 2 h em isquemia estática a 20ºC em cada solução cardioprotetora. Avaliação dos dados foi por análise de variância inteiramente casualizados em One-Way ANOVA e teste de Tukey para comparações múltiplas. O nível de significância estatística escolhido foi P<0,05. RESULTADOS: Houve recuperação da FC com todas as soluções utilizadas. A avaliação da contratilidade ventricular esquerda (PSVE, +dP/dt e -dP/dt) demonstrou que o tratamento com a solução CEL foi melhor em comparação às outras soluções. Ao analisar o CF, a solução HTK indicou melhor proteção contra edema. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar das soluções cristaloides cardioprotetoras estudadas não serem capazes de suprimir os efeitos deletérios da isquemia e reperfusão no coração de ratos, a solução CEL apresentou resultado superior seguido por HTK>KHB>STH-1.

Dendritic eIF4E-binding Protein 1 (eIF4E-BP1) mRNA Is Upregulated by Neuronal Activation

Long-term synaptic plasticity requires addition of new proteins at the synaptic site. The local protein synthesis at subsynaptic sites confers advantageous mechanisms that would regulate the protein composition in local domains on a moment-by-moment basis. However, our information on the identities of 'dendritic' mRNAs is very limited. In this study we investigated the expression of the protein and mRNA for eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) showed that 4EBP1 protein is highly localized to the nucleus. In dendrites most 4EBP1 punctae were not colocalized with those of eIF4E. In situ hybridization (ISH) and Fluorescence ISH (FISH) revealed that 4EBP1 mRNA was present in dendrites. The FISH signals formed clusters along dendrites that colocalized with ICC signals for Staufen, a marker for RNA granules. The neuronal activation by KCl (60 mM, 10 min) significantly increased the density of 4EBP1 FISH signals in the nucleus after 2 hr, and both in the nucleus and dendrites after 6 hr. Our results indicate that 4EBP1 and its mRNA are present in dendrites, and the mRNA is upregulated and transported to dendritic domains in RNA granules upon neuronal activation.

Effects of ischemic preconditioning associated to different preservation solutions in protecting the intestinal graft / Efeitos do precondicionamento isquêmico associado a diferentes soluções de preservação na proteção do enxerto intestinal

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) associate with different preservation solutions, in the protecting of gut. METHODS: Four groups of 14 rats underwent laparotomy and collecting 20 cm of ileum, for preservation, at 4ºC, in Belzer (Belz), Ringer (RL), Celsior (Cs) and Custodiol (Cust) solutions, for 24 hours. Prior to collection, half of the animals in each group were subjected to IPC. During preservation, in the periods of zero, 12, 18 and 24 hours, were conducted evaluating the degree of mucosal injury and dosage of malondialdehyde acid (MDA). RESULTS: In all periods the RL group, with and without IPC, presented MDA values higher than the Belz and Cs. The degree of mucosal injury in the non-ipc RLgroup with 12h preservation was higher than the others; with 18 and 24h, the RL and Cust had higher degrees of damage than Cs and Belz. With IPC, in all periods, the group Cs and Belz had lower degrees of injury. CONCLUSION: The Celsior and Belzer solutions had better protective effects on the gut and these effects were enhanced by IPC.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do precondicionamento isquêmico (PCI) associado a diferentes soluções de preservação, na proteção do intestino delgado. MÉTODOS: Quatro grupos de 14 ratos Wistar, foram submetidos à laparotomia e coleta de 20 cm de íleo, para preservação, a 4ºC, nas soluções de Belzer (Belz), Ringer (RL), Celsior (Cs) e Custodiol (Cust) por 24 horas. Previamente à coleta, em metade dos animais de cada grupo, o intestino foi submetido ao PCI. Durante a preservação, nos períodos de Zero, 12, 18 e 24 horas, foram realizados avaliação do grau de lesão da mucosa e dosagem do ácido malondialdeído (MDA). RESULTADOS: Em todos os períodos o grupo RL, sem e com pci, apresentou valores maiores de MDA do que o Belz e Cs. O grau de lesão da mucosa nos grupos sem pci com preservação de 12h, no grupo RL, foi maior que nos demais; com 18h e 24h o grupo RL e Cust apresentaram maiores graus de lesão do que Cs e Belz. Com o pci, em todos os períodos, os grupos Belz e Cs apresentaram menores graus de lesão CONCLUSÃO: As Soluções Celsior e Belzer tiveram melhores efeitos na proteção do intestino e estes efeitos foram incrementados pelo precondicionamento isquêmico.

Neuronal activation increases the density of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E mRNA clusters in dendrites of cultured hippocampal neurons

Activity-dependent dendritic translation in CNS neurons is important for the synapse-specific provision of proteins that may be necessary for strengthening of synaptic connections. A major rate-limiting factor during protein synthesis is the availability of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), an mRNA 5'-cap-binding protein. In this study we show by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) that the mRNA for eIF4E is present in the dendrites of cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Under basal culture conditions, 58.7 +/- 11.6% of the eIF4E mRNA clusters localize with or immediately adjacent to PSD-95 clusters. Neuronal activation with KCl (60 mM, 10 min) very significantly increases the number of eIF4E mRNA clusters in dendrites by 50.1 and 74.5% at 2 and 6 h after treatment, respectively. In addition, the proportion of eIF4E mRNA clusters that localize with PSD-95 increases to 74.4 +/- 7.7% and 77.8 +/- 7.6% of the eIF4E clusters at 2 and 6 h after KCl treatment, respectively. Our results demonstrate the presence of eIF4E mRNA in dendrites and an activity-dependent increase of these clusters at synaptic sites. This provides a potential mechanism by which protein translation at synapses may be enhanced in response to synaptic stimulation.

Trimetazidina como aditivo em solução cardioplégica sem pré-tratamento não traz proteção adicional ao miocárdio isquêmico: estudo em modelo suíno de coração isolado / Trimetazidine as cardioplegia addictive without pre-treatment does not improve myocardial protection: study in a swine working heart model

OBJETIVO: Verificar, em modelo experimental de coração isolado de suínos, se a associação da trimetazidina à solução cardioplégica promove melhora no desempenho do coração. MÉTODOS: O modelo experimental utilizou suínos Large-White, com coração isolado perfundido por suporte de outro animal em modo de execução de trabalho ("working heart state"). Foram divididos em três grupos (n = 6), submetidos a isquemia regional seguida de isquemia global, que recebiam um dos três tratamentos: solução St Thomas (ST), solução St Thomas acrescida de trimetazidina (TMZ) e grupo controle (Co). Durante período de reperfusão, aos 30, 60 e 90 minutos, foram medidos parâmetros hemodinâmicos de contratilidade e metabólicos, obtendo-se assim a elastância máxima (Emáx), o índice de trabalho sistólico pré-recrutável (PRSW), "dureza" do ventrículo (EDPRV), fluxo coronariano, consumo de oxigênio e dosagens de lactato e glicose. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Em relação aos parâmetros hemodinâmicos de contratilidade, não houve diferença estatística significante entre os três grupos. Houve produção crescente de lactato nos três grupos de forma uniforme quanto maior o tempo de reperfusão. O fluxo coronariano, o consumo de oxigênio e o consumo de glicose tiveram grande variação entre os diferentes tempos medidos, mas sem diferença entre os três tratamentos. O peso final do ventrículo esquerdo foi significativamente menor no grupo trimetazidina (TMZ) do que nos demais. CONCLUSÃO: A administração da trimetazidina associada como adjuvante à solução cardioplégica, sem pré-tratamento, não demonstrou benefício hemodinâmico ou metabólico em modelo experimental "working heart" de coração isolado em porcos.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to verify in an isolated working heart swine model if the acute administration of trimetazidine to cardioplegia, without pre=treatment improves heart performance. METHODS: Eighteen pairs of swines were used in this working heart model, divided into three groups (n = 6) that underwent regional and global ischemia. Each group was selected to a different treatment: St Thomas cardioplegia (ST), St Thomas enriched with trimetazidine (TMZ) and control group (Co). Data was collected during reperfusion period at 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Hemodinamic parameters such as elastance contractility index (Emax), preload recruitable stroke work relationship (PRSW) and heart "stiffness" (EDPVR) were measured. Other data included coronary flow, lactate, oxygen and glucose consumption. Results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: All contractility data were not significantly different among three groups. Lactate became constantly higher according to time uniformly in all three groups. Coronary flow, glucose consumption and oxygen consumption presented large variations during time periods but according to treatments showed no statistical differences in all three groups. Left ventricle final weight was significantly lower in trimetazidine group compared to both other groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of trimetazidine enhanced cardioplegia, without pre-treatment, showed no hemodinamic or metabolic improvement in swine isolated working heart model.

Mechanism of spasmolytic activity of a fraction of Sarcostemma brevistigma Wight.

The effect of chloroform soluble fraction (F-A) of twigs of Sarcostemma brevistigma on contractions induced by KCl, histamine, and acetylcholine in the isolated guinea pig ileum and taenia coli smooth muscles has been evaluated. F-A (19.5 microg/ml) significantly inhibited the contraction induced by 40 mM KCl to the extent of 87.6% in the isolated guinea pig ileum. In the isolated guinea pig ileum, F-A (64.3 and 59.2 microg/ml) significantly inhibited the contractions induced by acetylcholine and histamine to the extent of 85 and 83% respectively. In the isolated guinea pig taenia coli, F-A (65.2 microg/ml) significantly inhibited the contraction induced by 40 mM KCl to the extent of 96.0%. The inhibitory effect of F-A (40 microg/ml) on the isolated guinea pig taenia coli was reduced by Bay K 8644 (10(-6) M) to the extent of 61.6 from 73.6%. These results suggest that the F-A may exhibit smooth muscle relaxant activity by blocking the Ca2+ channels.

Alteration of nitrergic neuromuscular transmission as a result of acute experimental colitis in rat

Nitric oxide (NO) is a non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic neurotransmitter found in the enteric nervous system that plays a role in a variety of enteropathies, including inflammatory bowel disease. Alteration of nitrergic neurons has been reported to be dependent on the manner by which inflammation is caused. However, this observed alteration has not been reported with acetic acid-induced colitis. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate changes in nitrergic neuromuscular transmission in experimental colitis in a rat model. Distal colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of 4% acetic acid in the rat. Animals were sacrificed at 4 h and 48 h postacetic acid treatment. Myeloperoxidase activity was significantly increased in the acetic acid-treated groups. However, the response to 60 mM KCl was not significantly different in the three groups studied. The amplitude of phasic contractions was increased by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in the normal control group, but not in the acetic acid-treated groups. Spontaneous contractions disappeared during electrical field stimulation (EFS) in normal group. However, for the colitis groups, these contractions initially disappeared, and then reappeared during EFS. Moreover, the observed disappearance was diminished by L-NAME; this suggests that these responses were NO-mediated. In addition, the number of NADPH-diaphorase positive nerve cell bodies, in the myenteric plexus, was not altered in the distal colon; whereas the area of NADPH-diaphorase positive fibers, in the circular muscle layer, was decreased in the acetic acidtreated groups. These results suggest that NO-mediated inhibitory neural input, to the circular muscle, was decreased in the acetic acid-treated groups.

Sodium nitroprusside relaxes goat coronary artery through activation of calcium-dependent K+ channels.

In the present investigation we have examined the hypothesis that calcium-dependent K+ channels (K(Ca)) are involved in the sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced vasodilatation of goat coronary artery. SNP (10(-9)-3 x 10(-6) M), added cumulatively, relaxed K+ (30 mM)-contracted coronary artery ring segments in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 1.32 x 10(-7) M (95% CL, 0.93-1.86 x 10(-7) M; n = 21). K(Ca) blocker, tetraethyl ammonium (1 mM) caused a rightward shift in the concentration-response curve of SNP with a corresponding increase in EC50 (1.62 x 10(-6) M; 95% CL, 0.44-6.02 x 10(-6) M, n = 4) of nitro vasodilator. Lowering of extra cellular Ca2+ in the physiological saline solution to 1/4 of normal selectively attenuated the vasorelaxant response of SNP, thereby causing an increase in its EC50 (2.4 x 10(-6) M; 95% CL, 1.23-4.68 x 10(-6) M, n = 4). Exposure of the tissues to high K+ (80 mM) solution, a protocol adopted to reduce the K+ gradient across the cell membrane, markedly inhibited the coronary artery relaxations induced by SNP (EC50, 2.54 x 10(-6) M; 95% CL, 1.31-4.91 x 10(-6) M, n = 4), when compared with tissues contracted with low K+ (30 mM) solution (EC50 7.9 x 10(-8); 95% CL, 4.4 x 10(-8)-1.44 x 10(-7) M, n = 6). The results suggested that a major component of SNP-induced relaxation of goat coronary artery was mediated by K(Ca) channels.

Effects of ligustrazine on the contraction of isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum strips / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To investigate the role of ligustrazine on relaxation of the isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue in vitro, the effects of ligustrazine on the corpus cavernosum were observed by using experimental method of smooth muscle strips. Concentration-responses to phenylephine (PE) and KCl were recorded. The results showed that ligustrazine concentration-dependently depressed the contraction response of smooth muscle strips induced by PE. The maximum percentage relaxation of cavernosal strips by ligustrazine was 74.1% +/- 6.2% (compared with control: 21.9% +/- 5.6%, P < 0.01). Ligustrazine concentration-dependently reduced the amplitude of the contraction induced by cumulative doses of PE or KCl, shifted the cumulative concentration response curves of PE and KCI to the right and depressed their maximal responses. It was concluded that ligustrazine could significantly relax the cavernosal muscle contraction induced by PE in vitro. The results suggested that ligustrazine inhibited calcium ion influx.

Evaluation of tocolytic efficacy of selective beta2 adrenoceptor agonists on buffalo uterus.

Present study was conducted on prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), oxytocin, (OT), potassium chloride (KCI) and barium chloride (BaCl2) pre-contracted perimetrial uterine strips of dioestrus and pregnant buffaloes to evaluate the tocolytic efficacy of selective beta2 adrenoceptor agonists-albuterol (salbutamol) and terbutaline. Cumulative concentration-response curves of both the beta2 adrenoceptor agonists were constructed and the mean effective concentration (EC50) values determined and compared statistically. Based on the comparative EC50 values in relaxing the pre-contracted uterine strips with different spasmogens, the rank order potency of albuterol was found to be--PGF2alpha > BaCl2 > OT > KCl on uterine strips from dioestrus animals, while OT> BaCl2> PGF2alpha >KCl on the uterine strips of pregnant buffaloes. The rank order potency of terbutaline on uterine strips from dioestrus stage animals was- BaCl2 > OT > KCl > PGF2alpha, while BaCl2 > PGF2alpha > KCl > OT on uterine tissues of pregnant animals. Thus, irrespective of the state of uterus, whether gravid or non-gravid, KCl-depolarized uterine tissues required comparatively higher concentrations of albuterol or terbutaline to produce tocolytic effect. High concentrations of K+ in biophase may have interfered with the beta2 adrenoceptor agonists-induced outward K+ current and hyperpolarization. From the results of present study, it was evident that selective beta2 adrenergic agonists had good tocolytic efficacy on the uterus of buffaloes. Further, indirectly the possibility of existence and activation of K(Ca) channels by selective beta2 adrenoceptor agonists in mediating tocolysis of buffalo myometrium can not be ruled out, however, detailed studies using specific K(Ca) channel blockers are required for characterizing the nature of such channels in buffalo uterus.

Inhibitory effect of manganese on contraction of isolated rat aorta.

The effects of MnCl2 on vascular smooth muscle contraction induced by noradrenaline (NA) and KCl were investigated. Rings segments from rat aorta were isolated and changes in isometric tension recorded. MnCl2 (10 microM and 1 mM) significantly attenuated the contractile responses to NA and KCI. There were also reductions in the contractile responses to CaCl2 in NA- and KCl-stimulated rings, after pretreatment with MnCl2. The magnitude of the phasic contraction to NA was significantly reduced in presence of MnCl2. The results suggest that MnCl2 inhibits vascular smooth muscle contraction by influencing a Ca2+-mediated mechanism.