Expression of P53, HER2 and Ki67 proteins in rats subjected to bladder augmentation with stomach, colon and ileum

PURPOSE: To study the expression of HER2, p53 and Ki67 proteins in cystoplasties. METHODS: Sixty rats were distributed randomly into three groups of 20 animals. Bladder augmentation was held to increase with ileum (Group I), colon (Group II) and stomach (Group III). Tissue samples of neobladder was collected from each rat to its own control. The animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. The neobladder was withdrawn for immunohistochemitry analysis of p53, HER2 and Ki67 expression. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical study. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in the expression of p53 and HER2 proteins. It was observed significant increase (p<0.0001) in Ki67 expression in all groups, when compared with their respective controls. When the study groups were compared with each other, there was increase of cell proliferation in the largest gastrocystoplasties in respect of ileocystoplasties (p=0.004) and colocystoplasties (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: We observed significant increase of cell proliferation characterized by Ki67 protein in the digestive tract of the ileocystoplasties, the colocystoplasties and the gastrocystoplasties and this increase was significantly greater in gastrocystoplasties.

Isoprenaline Induces Periostin Expression in Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: Periostin mediates critical steps in gastric cancer and is involved in various signaling pathways. However, the roles of periostin in promoting gastric cancer metastasis are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relevance between periostin expression and gastric cancer progression and the role of stress-related hormones in the regulation of cancer development and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal, cancerous and metastatic gastric tissues were collected from patients diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer. The in vivo expression of periostin was evaluated by in situ hybridization and immunofluorescent staining. Meanwhile, human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines MKN-45 and BGC-803 were used to detect the in vitro expression of periostin by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting. RESULTS: Periostin is expressed in the stroma of the primary gastric tumors and metastases, but not in normal gastric tissue. In addition, we observed that periostin is located mainly in pericryptal fibroblasts, but not in the tumor cells, and strongly correlated to the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). Furthermore, the distribution patterns of periostin were broader as the clinical staging of tumors progressed. We also identified a role of stress-related signaling in promoting cancer development and progression, and found that isoprenaline upregulated expression levels of periostin in gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the distribution pattern of periostin was broader as the clinical staging of the tumor progressed and found that isoprenaline upregulated expression levels of periostin in gastric cancer cells.

alpha-Lipoic Acid Inhibits Expression of IL-8 by Suppressing Activation of MAPK, Jak/Stat, and NF-kappaB in H. pylori-Infected Gastric Epithelial AGS Cells

The epithelial cytokine response, associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS), is important in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced inflammation. H. pylori induces the production of ROS, which may be involved in the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (Jak/Stat), and oxidant-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB), and thus, expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in gastric epithelial cells. alpha-lipoic acid, a naturally occurring thiol compound, is a potential antioxidant. It shows beneficial effects in treatment of oxidant-associated diseases including diabetes. The present study is purposed to investigate whether alpha-lipoic acid inhibits expression of inflammatory cytokine IL-8 by suppressing activation of MAPK, Jak/Stat, and NF-kappaB in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. Gastric epithelial AGS cells were pretreated with or without alpha-lipoic acid for 2 h and infected with H. pylori in a Korean isolate (HP99) at a ratio of 300:1. IL-8 mRNA expression was analyzed by RT-PCR analysis. IL-8 levels in the medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Phospho-specific and total forms of MAPK and Jak/Stat were assessed by Western blot analysis. ROS levels were determined using dichlorofluorescein fluorescence. As a result, H. pylori induced increases in ROS levels, mRNA, and protein levels of IL-8, as well as the activation of MAPK [extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2), p38], Jak/Stat (Jak1/2, Stat3), and NF-kappaB in AGS cells, which was inhibited by alpha-lipoic acid. In conclusion, alpha-lipoic acid may be beneficial for prevention and/or treatment of H. pylori infection-associated gastric inflammation.

Dyspeptic symptoms in patients with type 1 diabetes: endoscopic findings, Helicobacter pylori infection, and associations with metabolic control, mood disorders and nutritional factors

Objectives To evaluate, in a group of patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes (DM1), an association of dyspepsia symptoms with: changes in the gastroduodenal mucosa, infection by Helicobacter pylori, glycemic control, and psychological and nutritional factors. Subjects and methods A total of 32 patient with DM1 were studied (age: 38 ± 9 years; females: 25; diabetes duration: 22 ± 5 years). All patients answered a standardized questionnaire for the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms and underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with gastric biopsies for the evaluation of Helicobacter pylori infection. The presence of anxiety and depression was evaluated by the HAD scale. Nutritional parameters were BMI, arm and waist circumference, skinfold measurement, and body fat percentage. Results Upper endoscopy detected lesions in the gastric mucosa in 34.4% of the patients, with similar frequency in those with (n = 21) and without dyspepsia (n = 11). The patients with dyspepsia complaints showed greater frequency of depression (60% vs. 0%; p = 0.001), higher values for HbA1c (9.6 ± 1.7 vs. 8.2 ± 1.3%; p = 0.01) and lower values for BMI (24.3 ± 4.1 vs. 27.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2; p = 0.02), body fat percentage (26.6 ± 6.2 vs. 30.8 ± 7.7%; p = 0.04), and waist circumference (78.7 ± 8 vs. 85.8 ± 8.1 cm; p = 0.02). No association was found between the symptoms and the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Conclusions Dyspepsia symptoms in patients with long-standing DM1 were associated with glycemic control and depression, and they seem to negatively influence the nutritional status of these patients. .

Hsp70 and HSF-1 expression is altered in the tissues of pigs transported for various periods of times

The aim of this study was to assess changes of Hsp70 and HSF-1 protein and mRNA expression in stress-sensitive organs of pigs during transportation for various periods of time. Twenty pigs were randomly divided into four groups (0 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h of transportation). A significant increased activity of AST and CK was observed after 1 h and 2 h of transportation. Histopathological changes in the heart, liver, and stomach indicated that these organs sustained different degrees of injury. Hsp70 protein expression in the heart and liver of transported pigs did not change significantly while it increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the stomach. Hsp70 mRNA levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the heart after 4 h of transportation. However, mRNA expression increased significantly in the liver after 1 (p < 0.05) and 4 h (p < 0.01) of transportation, and increased significantly in the stomach of the transported pigs after 1, 4 (p < 0.01), and 2 h (p < 0.05). HSF-1 levels were reduced at 1 and 4 h (p < 0.05) only in the hearts of transported pigs. These results indicate that Hsp70 mediates distinct stress-related functions in different tissues during transportation.

Lead exposure changes gastric motility in rats: role of nitric oxide [no]

Abdominal colic, constipation and delay in gastric emptying are symptoms of lead poisoning, but there is scant information about the effect of lead on gastric motility. In the present study, we investigated the effect of lead acetate on gastric motility in rats. Animals were divided into nine groups [n=8]; four groups were exposed to lead acetate solution [1%] for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks [Pb1, Pb2, Pb3, and Pb4 groups, respectively]. Sodium acetate solution was given to another four groups for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks [Na1, Na2, Na3, and Na4 groups, respectively] and the control group had free access to tap water. Gastric motility was measured in the basal and acetylcholine [Ach]-stimulated states using a physiograph instrument. Nitric oxide metabolite of gastric tissue was determined by Griess micro-assay. There were no significant differences between basal and Ach-stimulated gastric motility in Pb1, Pb2, Na1, and Na2 groups. However, it was significantly greater in Pb3 and Pb4 groups when compared with Na3 and Na4 groups in both basal and Ach-stimulated states [P<0.05]. In addition, nitric oxide metabolite of gastric tissue was more in all Pb groups in comparison with their Na counterparts [P<0.05]. We found that lead exposure could affect gastric motility via the nitric oxide pathway

Localization of sugar residues in the stomach of three species of monkeys (Tupaiidae glis, Nycticebus cocang and Callithrix jacchus) by lectin histochemistry / Localización de los residuos de azúcar en el estómago de tres especies de monos (Tupaiidae glis, Nycticebus cocang y Callithrix jacchus) por histoquímica de lectina

The stomach of three species of non-human primates was investigated by lectin histochemistry to clarify the staining affinity and distribution patterns of their sugar residues. All gastric regions, with little differences between the deep and superficial parts of the same region, were rich in. in N-acetylglucosamine and/or neuraminic acid. Although, the superficial regions of the gastric mucosa were scanty in N-acetylgalactosamine, a- D-glucose and a -D-mannose, the deep parts of the gastric mucosa were rich in these sugars. In conclusion, there is a difference among the mucosubstances of surface and foveolar mucous cells, mucous neck cells, and gastric gland cells. This indicates heterogeneous composition of gastric mucus, or mucus molecules with variations in the degree of glycosylation of their oligosaccharide chains in the different cells which suggest that lectin binding affinity in the gastric mucosa correlated mostly to the degree of cellular differentiation.

El estómago de tres especies de primates no humanos fue investigado por histoquímica de lectinas para determinar la afinidad de tinción y los patrones de distribución de sus residuos de azúcar. Todas las regiones gástricas, con pequeñas diferencias entre las partes profundas y superficiales de la misma región, eran ricas en N-acetilglucosamina y/o ácido neuramínico. Si bien, las regiones superficiales de la mucosa gástrica eran escasas en N-acetilgalactosamina, a-D-glucosa y a-D-manosa, las partes profundas de la mucosa gástrica eran ricas en estos azúcares. En conclusión, existe una diferencia entre las mucosustancias de la superficie y células mucosas foveolares, células mucosas del cuello y células de las glándulas gástricas. Esto indica una composición heterogénea de la mucosa gástrica, o moléculas de moco con variaciones en el grado de glicosilación de sus cadenas de oligosacáridos en las diferentes células, sugieriendo que la afinidad de union de lectinas en la mucosa gástrica se relacionada principalmente con el grado de diferenciación celular.

Biodistribution of technetium-99m pertechnetate after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (Capella technique) in rats / Biodistribuição de tecnécio-99m pertecnetato após desvio gástrico em Y de Roux (técnica de Capella) em ratos

PURPOSE: The biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate, the most used radiopharmaceutical in nuclear medicine, has not been studied in details after bariatric surgery. The objective was to investigate the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTc-) in organs and tissues of rats. METHODS: Twelve rats were randomly divided into two groups of 6 animals each. The RYGB group rats were submitted to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the control group rats were not operated. After 15 days, all rats were injected with 0.1mL of Na99mTc- via orbital plexus with average radioactivity of 0.66 MBq. After 30 minutes, liver, stomach, thyroid, heart, lung, kidney and femur samples were harvested, weighed and percentage of radioactivity per gram ( percentATI/g) of each organ was determined by gama counter Wizard Perkin-Elmer. We applied the Student t test for statistical analysis, considering p<0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Significant reduction in mean percentATI/g was observed in the liver, stomach and femur in the RYGB group animals, compared with the control group rats (p<0.05). In other organs no significant difference in percentATI/g was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This work contributes to the knowledge that the bariatric surgery RYGB modifies the pattern of biodistribution of Na99mTc-.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da cirurgia de desvio gástrico em Y de Roux (BGYR) na biodistribuição do pertecnetato de sódio (Na99mTc) em órgãos e tecidos de ratos. MÉTODOS: Doze ratos Wistar foram aleatoriamente distribuidos em dois grupos de seis animais cada. O grupo BGYR foi submetido a técnica cirúrgica do desvio gástrico em Y de Roux e o grupo controle não foi operado. No 15º dia de pós-operatório foi administrado 0,1 ml IV de Na99mTc aos animais dos dois grupos, com atividade radioativa média de 0,66MBq. Após 30 minutos os ratos foram mortos e retirados fragmentos de fígado, estômago, tireóide, coração, pulmão, rim e fêmur. As amostras foram lavadas com solução salina 0,9 por cento pesadas e submetidas ao Contador Gama 1470, WizardTM Perkin-Elmer para se determinar o percentual de atividade radiotiva por grama ( por centoATI/g) de cada órgão. Empregou-se o teste t de Student para análise estatística, considerando p<0,05 como significante. RESULTADOS: Redução significante na média de por centoATI/g foi observada no fígado, estômago e fêmur nos animais submetidos a cirurgia de BGYR comparado com o grupo controle (p<0,05). Nos demais órgãos não houve diferença significante no por centoATI/g entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia BGYR em ratos modificou a biodistribuição do Na99mTc em alguns órgãos, podendo ter implicações clínicas na interpretação de exames cintilográficos.

Controlled delivery of ranitidine in the stomach using magnetic field / Administración controlada de ranitidina en el estómago usando campos magnéticos

An attempt has been made to localize ranitidine loaded microspheres in the stomach by magnetic means. Since ranitidine undergoes metabolism by microbial enzymes in the intestine, it is ideal to localize the controlled drug delivery system within the stomach to get uniform release and absorption of the drug for the desired period. Gelatin magnetic microspheres loaded with 9.1, 17.9, 26.3 and 33.3% w/w of ranitidine hydrochloride were prepared by emulsification-cross linking technique. The formulated microspheres were characterized by magnetite content, particle size and in vitro drug release. The efficiency of microspheres to be localized in the stomach is tested in vivo in rats. The prepared microspheres were spherical and had a size distribution from 10 to 105 µm. The in vitro study revealed the capability of microspheres to release the drug over a period of 8 to 12 hours, depending on drug loading. The release was found to be diffusion controlled and followed fickian diffusion principle. The in vivo study showed the efficiency of microspheres to be retained in the stomach over a period of 8 hours.

Se ha hecho el intento por localizar las microesferas cargadas de ranitidina en el estómago mediante medios magnéticos. Como que la ranitidina experimenta metabolismo mediante enzimas microbianas en el intestino, resulta ideal localizar el sistema de administración del medicamento controlado dentro del estómago para alcanzar la liberación y absorción uniformes del medicamento por el período deseado. Microesferas de gelatina magnética cargadas con 9.1, 17.9, 26.3 y 33.3% p/p de hidrocloruro de ranitidina, fueron preparadas mediante una técnica de emulsificación-entrecruzamiento. Las microesferas formuladas se caracterizaron por su contenido de magnetita, el tamaño de las partículas y la liberación del medicamento in vitro. La eficiencia de las microesferas a ser localizadas en el estómago se prueba in vivo en ratas. Las microesferas preparadas eran esféricas y tenían una distribución de tamaño de 10 a 105 µm. El estudio in vitro reveló la capacidad de las microesferas para liberar la droga en un período de 8 a 12 horas, en dependencia de la carga de la droga. Se halló que la liberación estaba sujeta difusión controlada y seguía la ley de Fick para la difusión. El estudio in vivo mostró la eficiencia de las microesferas para ser retenidas en el estómago por un período de 8 horas.

Manga gástrica laparoscópica: técnica para el tratamiento quirúrgico de la obesidad mórbida: experiencia en 70 casos / Laparoscopic gastric sleeve: a thecnique for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity: experience in 70 cases

Mostrar la eficacia de la manga gástrica laparoscópica como tratamiento de la obesidad, su repercusión en el porcentaje de pérdida exceso de peso (porcentaje de PEP) y en el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Se presenta la experiencia de 70 pacientes a quien se le realizó manga gástrica laparoscópica en el Instituto Clínico la Florida desde junio de 2006 hasta diciembre de 2007 (18 meses). Se analizaron datos demográficos, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria, complicaciones, porcentaje de PEP, IMC. 70 pacientes obesos se les realizó MGL (49 m-21 h), promedio de edad 43 años (18-65), IMC 40.3 kg/m2 (32-55), Tiempo quirúrgico promedio 106 minutos (75-210), promedio de hospitalización 2 días (1-9). Porcentaje de PEP a los 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 y 18 meses fue de 43 por ciento, 57 por ciento, 65 por ciento, 70 por ciento, 73 por ciento y 74 por ciento respectivamente. IMC para el mismo período fue de 35.2, 32.1, 30.5, 30.4 y 29.9 respectivamente. Tuvimos 5 complicaciones mayores (7.1 por ciento): 2 neumonías (2.85 por ciento), 1 sangramiento (1.42 por ciento), 1 delirio (1.42 por ciento), 1 filtración gástrica (1.42 por ciento). 0 mortalidad y 0 reintervenciones. Hasta el momento la MGL ha mostrado ser un método efectivo y seguro para el manejo de la obesidad mórbida y sus implicaciones, sin embargo, como toda técnica novedosa y sobre todo en cirugía bariatrica, amerita soportar la inefable prueba del tiempo.

Associations between a PTPN11 polymorphism and gastric atrophy--opposite in Uzbekistan to that in Japan.

Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) of gastric epithelial cells interacts with cagA from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Our previous studies found the AA genotype of a G/A single nucleotide polymorphism at intron 3 (rs2301756) of PTPN11 gene, which encodes SHP-2, to be associated with a lower risk of gastric atrophy. The present study aimed to examine the association with gastric atrophy among the subjects of a case-control study of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) conducted in the Uzbek Republic. Cases were 95 patients (61 males and 34 females) with PUD aged 16 to 85 years. Controls were 102 hospital volunteers (42 males and 60 females) including 42 patients with miscellaneous diseases, aged 15 to 75 years. Gastric atrophy was evaluated with serum pepsinogens (PG1<70 ng/ml and PG1/PG2<3). Polymorphisms of PTPN11 at intron 3 (rs2301756) and intron10 (rs12229892) were genotyped with PCR with confronting two-pair primers (PCR-CTPP). Anti-cagA IgG antibody was detected in 93.7% of cases and 77.5% in controls. Gastric atrophy was observed in 24.2% of the PUD patients and 33.3% in the controls. The A allele at intron 3 was completely linked to the G allele at intron 10. The age, sex, and group (cases and controls) adjusted odds ratio of gastric atrophy was 0.18 (95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.86) for intron 3 GG genotype relative to AA genotype. Since the finding was opposite to that among Japanese, the H. pylori strains and/or lifestyle in Uzbekistan might modify the association.

Development and evaluation of floating microspheres of verapamil hydrochloride

The present study involves preparation and evaluation of floating microspheres of verapamil hydrochloride for improving the drug bioavailability by prolongation of gastric residence time. Cellulose acetate, acrycoat S100 and eudragit S100 microspheres loaded with verapamil hydrochloride were prepared by solvent diffusion-evaporation method. The microspheres had smooth surfaces, with free-flowing and good-packing properties. The yield of the microspheres was up to 70.51 percent and cellulose acetate microspheres entrapped the maximum amount of the drug. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed their hollow structures with sizes in the range 251.80 to 350.75 mm. The prepared microspheres exhibited prolonged drug release and remained buoyant for more than 12 h. Radiographic images of dog stomach revealed that cellulose acetate microspheres loaded with barium sulphate floated on the gastric fluid for about 3.2 h. In vitro release studies demonstrated non-Fickian diffusion of drug from the microspheres.

O presente estudo envolve a preparação e a avaliação de microesferas flutuantes de cloridrato de verapamil para o melhoramento da biodisponibilidade do fármaco por meio do prolongamento do tempo de residência gástrica. Prepararam-se, por meio do método de difusão-evaporação de solvente, microesferas de acetato de celulose, acrycoat S100 e eudragit S100 carregadas com cloridrato de verapamil. As microesferas apresentaram superfícies regulares, com propriedades de fluxo livre e de bom empacotamento. O rendimento das microesferas foi superior a 70,51 por cento e as microesferas de acetato de celulose captaram a quantidade máxima do fármaco. Microscopia eletrônica de varredura confirmou as cavidades em suas estruturas, com tamanhos na faixa de 251,80 a 350,75 mm. As microesferas preparadas apresentaram liberação prolongada do fármaco e permaneceram flutuantes por mais que 12 h. Imagens radiográficas do estômago de cão revelaram que as esferas de acetato de celulose carregadas com sulfato de bário flutuaram no fluido gástrico por, aproximadamente, 3,2 h. Estudos de liberação in vitro demonstraram difusão não-Fickiana dos fármacos das microesferas.

Gastric Accumulation of Bone Seeking Agent in a Patient with Advanced Gastric Cancer

Soft tissue uptake of Tc-99m labeled bone seeking agents, such as Tc-99m 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanedicarboxylic acid (DPD), is commonly seen in clinical practice, even though bone scintigraphy is mainly used to detect bone disease. However, gastric uptake of bone agents in patients with gastric cancer is very rare. And it has been reported that calcified gastric adenocarcinoma appears in only about 5% of all gastric cancer. We report a rare case of bone scintigraphy, single photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography fusion images that demonstrated diffuse gastric uptake of Tc-99m DPD in a patient with advanced gastric cancer.

Emphysematous Gastritis Associated with Invasive Gastric Mucormycosis: A Case Report

Emphysematous gastritis is a rare form of phlegmonous gastritis, characterized by air in the wall of the stomach due to invasion by gas-forming microorganisms. The most commonly involved microorganisms are streptococci, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostrodium perfrigens and Staphylococcus aureus. Gastrointestinal mucormycosis is another rare condition, which is most frequently occurs in the stomach. Because emphysematous gastritis associated with invasive gastric mucormycosis is an extremely rare clinical condition and both are life-threatening diseases, early precise diagnosis and early treatment should be done to avoid mortality. Herein we present an extremely rare case of emphysematous gastritis associated with invasive gastric mucormycosis. A 43-yr-old man, suffering from alcoholism and diabetes, has experienced diffuse abdominal pain for 4 days. Abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrated gas within the stomach wall. A histologic examination of the total gastrectomy specimen showed several gas-filled bubbles in the wall, along with numerous fungal hyphae throughout the necrotic stomach wall. He died of multiorgan failure secondary to disseminated mucormycosis, despite the intensive medical therapy.

Fatal heroin intoxication in body packers in northern Thailand during the last decade: two case reports.

A body packer is an important means of drug trafficking. While drug packets are inside the body, they can leak or rupture causing acute substance toxicity. Most of the reports of body packer syndrome have come from Europe and North America, which are destination targets. In the present study, the authors reported two cases of fatal heroin body packers from the northern part of Thailand. Both cases were foreign tourists who came to Chiang Mai and stayed in a hotel or a guesthouse room in which the deaths occurred. The autopsy findings revealed rupturing of heroin packages in the stomach. The packaging used in both cases was not sophisticated. The powder was packed inside condoms without extra covering, as observed in some other professional packers. The amount of heroin transported was about 30-50 gm. The purity of heroin in this powder was about 50-90%. Their destinations were their home countries and not directly to Europe or North America. Deaths occurred just prior to their return. The cause of death was a heroin overdose. A significant level of heroin metabolites, 6-MAM and morphine were detected in the blood and urine.

Efeitos doalendronato sódico sobre a mucosa gástrica: estudo experimental em ratas / effects of alendronate sodium on the gastric mucosa: experimental study in rats

O alendronato sódico é um dos bisfosfonatos mais utilizados na atualidade, apresentando eficácia extraordinária quando há aumento da reabsorção óssea, como na osteoporose. Diversos estudos têm sido feitos, em animais e seres humanos, com o intuito de observar as ações dessa substância sobre a mucosa do trato gastrointestinal (esôfago, estômago e duodeno). Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o comportamento biológico da mucosa gástric de ratas que receberam alendronato sódico por sondagem gástrica. Foram utilizadas 30 ratas Wistar, divididas em três grupos de 10. O primeiro grupo (controle) recebeu, por gavagem, soro fisiológico, o segundo, 4mg, e o terceiro, 0,033mg de alendronato durante 10 dias. Foram feitos cortes histológicos em diferentes locais do estômago (regiões não-glandular e glandular do corpo e região do antro) para estudo microscópico. Os reultados foram submetidos a análise estatística, comparando os grupos com relação às alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas das regiões estudadas. Os autores concluem que houve mais alterações imflamátorias no grupo que recebeu a maior dose de alendronato. Não houve diferença quanto às alterações macroscópicas

Morphometry and acetylcholinesterase activity of the myenteric plexus of the wild mouse Calomys callosus

The myenteric plexus of the digestive tract of the wild mouse Calomys callosus was examined using a histochemical method that selectively stains nerve cells, and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemical technique in whole-mount preparations. Neuronal density was 1,500 + 116 neurons/cm2 (mean + SEM) in the esophagus, 8,900 + 1,518 in the stomach, 9,000 + 711 in the jejunum and 13,100 + 2,089 in the colon. The difference in neuronal density between the esophagus and other regions was statistically significant. The neuron profile area ranged from 45 to 1,100 mum2. The difference in nerve cell size between the jejunum and other regions was statistically significant. AChE-positive nerve fibers were distributed within the myenteric plexus which is formed by a primary meshwork of large nerve bundles and a secondary meshwork of finer nerve bundles. Most of the nerve cells displayed AChE activity in the cytoplasm of different reaction intensities. These results are important in order to understand the changes occurring in the myenteric plexus in experimental Chagas' disease.

Effect of cerebellar modulation on gastroduodenal PGE2 and 5-HT content of rat.

Nodular cerebellar lesion decreased PGE2 and 5-HT content of gastroduodenal tissue along with a decrease in enterochromaffin (EC) cell count. On the other hand, when nodular lesioned rats were subjected to vestibular stimulation, both PGE2 and 5-HT content of gastroduodenal tissue and EC cell count increased, suggesting nodular cerebellar influence on PGE2 and 5-HT content of gastroduodenal tissue.

Gastric acetylcholine and histamine content of normal and Trypanosoma cruzi - infected rats

The consequences of acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection for acetylcholine and histamine levels in gastric wall and for mast cells of the stomach were studied in rats. Intraperitoneal infection with 4,000 trypomastigotes/g of a Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi led to a 4-fold decrease in gastric acetylcholine level and to a 57 - and 15-fold increase in histamine content in the membranous and glandular regions of the rat stomach, respectively. Infection of rats with Trypanosoma cruzi also induced a 2- and 4-fold increase in mast cell numbers in the membranous and glandular regions of the muscle layer of the gastric wall, respectively, and a ganglionic inflammatory reaction with predominance of mononuclear cells. We conclude that in acutely Trypanosoma cruzi-infected rats, the reduction of acetylcholine content is due to gastric denervation and that the histamine increase might be secondary to gastric denervation and/or to an increase in the number of mast cells of the gastric wall