Primary adipsia and severe hypernatremia in a Pit Bull dog / Adipsia primária e hipernatremia severa em um cão Pit Bull

Primary adipsia is a rare condition in which there is failure in the activation threshold of the hypothalamic osmoreceptors, leading to osmolality imbalance. Here, we reported the case of a Pit Bull dog with an altered level of consciousness (started after weaning) and adipsia. There was an increase in plasma osmolality (444 mOsm/kg), sodium (223.7 mg/dL), and chlorine (173 mg/dL) levels. Based on the suspicion of primary adipsia, water was administered via a nasogastric tube, with clinical improvement. The owner was instructed to supply water with food. Eight months after discharge, the dog returned with parvovirus and died. In the anatomopathological examination, no structural changes were observed in the central nervous system. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hypernatremia due to adipsia in a Pit Bull dog, showing that this is a differential diagnosis that should be considered in this breed.

Adipsia primária é uma rara condição em que há falha no limiar de ativação dos osmoreceptores hipotalâmicos, levando ao desequilíbrio da osmolalidade. Este artigo tem como objetivo relatar o caso de um cão da raça Pit Bull apresentando alteração no nível de consciência (iniciado após o desmame) e adipsia. Foi verificado aumento da osmolalidade plasmática (444 mOsm/kg), sódio (223,7 mg/dL) e cloro (173 mg/dL). Baseado na suspeita de adipsia primária, iniciou-se administração de água via sonda nasogástrica, com melhora clínica. O tutor foi orientado a fornecer água junto a alimentação. Oito meses após alta, o paciente retornou com parvovirose e veio a óbito. No exame anatomopatológico, não foram observadas alterações estruturais no sistema nervoso central. Este é o primeiro relato de hipernatremia por adipsia em um cão Pit Bull, mostrando que este é um diagnóstico diferencial que deve ser considerado nesta raça.

Water deficit on germination and vigour in seeds of the Jambu / Déficit hídrico na germinação e vigor de sementes d e jambu

Water availability influences plant metabolism during the various stages of development, especially in the period between germination and seedling emergence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of water deficit during the germination process on seeds of A. oleracea. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomised design, with four replications of 50 seeds. The treatments were arranged in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with the first factor consisting of the osmotic potentials (-0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8 and distilled water for the potential 0.0 MPa) and the second factor consisting of two lots of seed. The germination test was carried out on substrates moistened with solutions of mannitol and polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) at the various potentials, in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) germinator at a temperature of 30°C and under constant light. The test was evaluated daily for 14 days, considering the seeds that had a root length equal to or greater than two millimetres as having germinated. The variables under analysis were germination, germination speed index, seedling length and seedling dry weight. The germination process of A. oleracea is compromised at water potentials of -0.2 MPa and -0.4 MPa when submitted to PEG and mannitol respectively. Seeds from Lot 1 were more tolerant to the water deficit than were those from Lot 2.

A disponibilidade de água influencia o metabolismo vegetal nas diversas etapas do desenvolvimento, especialmente no período entre a germinação e a emergência das plântulas. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do déficit hídrico durante o processo de germinação de sementes de A. oleracea. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 50 sementes. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, com o primeiro fator constituído pelos potenciais osmóticos (-0,2; -0,4; -0,6; -0,8 e água destilada para o potencial 0,0 MPa) e o segundo dois lotes de sementes. Para isso, o teste de germinação foi realizado em substratos umedecidos com soluções de manitol e polietilenoglicol (PEG 6000) nos diversos potenciais, em germinador do tipo Biochemical Oxigen Demand (B.O.D.) sob a temperatura de 30 °C e luz constante. O teste foi avaliado diariamente durante 14 dias, sendo considerado como germinadas, as sementes que apresentavam extensão radicular igual ou superior a dois milímetros. As variáveis analisadas foram germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento de plântulas e massa seca de plântulas. O processo germinativo de sementes de A. oleracea é comprometido a partir de potenciais hídricos de -0,2 MPa e -0,4 MPa, quando submetidas ao PEG e manitol respectivamente. As sementes provenientes do lote 1 mostraram-se mais tolerantes ao déficit hídrico que as do lote 2.

Saline water and potassium fertilization in cultivation of grafted west indian cherry ˜BRS 366 Jaburu / Águas salinas e adubação potássica no cultivo de aceroleira 'brs 366 jaburu' enxertada

Agricultural exploitation in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil depends on the use of irrigation to guarantee safe production of crops. Nevertheless, the waters commonly used in this region have high levels of salts and require management strategies that make their use possible in agriculture. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate water relations, photosynthetic pigments and growth of grafted West Indian cherry as a function of saline water irrigation and potassium (K) fertilization. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions in lysimeters filled with eutrophic Regolithic Neosol with sandy loam texture, in the municipality of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in randomized blocks and consisted of two factors: two levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity ­ ECw (0.8 and 3.8 dS m-1) and four K doses (50, 75; 100 and 125% of the recommendation), with three replicates and one plant per plot. The 100% dose corresponded to 19.8 g of K2O per plant per year. The West Indian cherry crop was sensitive to water salinity of 3.8 dS m-1 in the post-grafting phase, resulting in a decline in photosynthetic pigment content and growth. Increasing K doses reduced the percentage of cell membrane damage and promoted increase in the synthesis of chlorophyll a and carotenoids in West Indian cherry plants. There was significant interaction between salinity levels and K doses for the leaf osmotic potential, water saturation deficit, percentage of cell membrane damage and chlorophyll b content in West Indian cherry plants.

A exploração agrícola na região semiárida do Nordeste brasileiro depende do uso da irrigação para garantir a produção das culturas com segurança; entretanto, nesta região, as águas utilizadas comumente possuem níveis elevados de sais e necessitam de estratégias de manejo que possibilitem sua utilização na agricultura. Neste contexto, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar as relações hídricas, os pigmentos fotossintéticos e o crescimento da aceroleira enxertada em função da irrigação com águas salinas e adubação potássica. A pesquisa foi realizada em condição de casa de vegetação em lisímetros preenchidos com um Neossolo Regolítico Eutrófico de textura franco-arenosa, no município de Campina Grande-PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos casualizados, e consistiram de dois fatores, sendo dois níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,8 e 3,8 dS m-1) e quatro doses de potássio (50, 75; 100 e 125% da recomendação), com três repetições e uma planta por parcela. A dose de 100% correspondeu a 33,0 g de K2O por planta por ano. A cultura da aceroleira é sensível a salinidade da água de 3,8 dS m-1, na fase pós enxertia, resultando-se em declínio nos teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos e crescimento. Doses crescentes de potássio diminuíram o percentual de dano na membrana celular e promoveram aumento na síntese de clorofila a e carotenoides nas plantas de aceroleira. Houve interação significativa entre os fatores níveis salinos e doses de potássio para potencial osmótico foliar, déficit de saturação hídrica, percentual de dano na membrana celular e teor de clorofila b da aceroleira.

Manipulation of growth of the Amazonian fish tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae): analysis of physiological and zootechnical aspects / Manipulação do crescimento do peixe amazônico tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae): análises fisiológicas e zootécnicas

Colossoma macropomum, known locally as tambaqui, is the native fish most farmed in Brazil, however, technological advances are needed to reach efficient production rates. Modulating growth factors, such as growth hormone, may be associated with improved growth rate and feed efficiency. The use of exogenous hormone for fish rearing is prohibited in Brazil, yet the experimental use of bovine hormone can be useful in research aimed at understanding how to stimulate endogenous growth hormones in fish. Therefore, the present study had the strict objective of understanding the effects of growth hormone on the physiology and zootechnical parameters of C. macropomum under experimental conditions. The animals were intraperitoneally injected every fifteen days with 1, 10 and 100 g g-1 of bGH using 0.9% NaCl saline as diluent. The 10 and 100 g g-1 bolus had a positive effect on the performance indexes of C. macropomum: weight gain (g), growing length (cm), daily weight gain (g), feed conversion and specific growth rate (% per day). The bGH promoted a greater increase in length than in mass, which caused a reduction in condition factor of the individuals receiving a bolus of 10 and 100 g g-1. Furthermore, bGH caused no changes in glucose levels, cortisol, hematological parameters, plasma levels of Na+ and K+, and activity of gills H+-ATPase and Na+, K+-ATPase, at least during the experimental period considered in the present study.

O tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, é o peixe nativo mais cultivado no Brasil. No entanto, avanços tecnológicos são necessários para incrementar as taxas de produção. Fatores de crescimento moduladores, como o hormônio do crescimento, podem estar associados a uma melhoria na taxa de crescimento e eficiência alimentar. O uso de hormônio exógeno para a criação de peixes é proibido por lei no Brasil, porém, o uso experimental do hormônio bovino pode ser útil em pesquisas que visam determinar mecanismos de estímulo dos hormônios de crescimento endógenos em peixes. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo estrito a compreensão dos efeitos do hormônio de crescimento sobre a fisiologia e os parâmetros zootécnicos de C. macropomum em condições experimentais . Os animais foram injetados intraperitonealmente a cada quinze dias com 1, 10 e 100 g g-1 de bGH, utilizando solução salina a 0,9% de NaCl como diluente. Observou-se que as concentrações 10 e 100 g g-1 tiveram um efeito positivo sobre os índices de desempenho de C. macropomum em ganho de massa (g), crescimento em comprimento (cm), ganho de massa diário (g), conversão alimentar e taxa de crescimento específico (% por dia). O bGH promoveu ganho maior em comprimento do que em massa, o que causou diminuição do fator de condição nos indivíduos que receberam 10 e 100 g g-1. Além disso, o bGH não causou alterações nos níveis de glicose, cortisol, parâmetros hematológicos, níveis plasmáticos de Na+ e K+ e na atividade de H+-ATPase e Na+, K+-ATPase nas brânquias durante o período experimental.

Putative 3-nitrotyrosine detoxifying genes identified in the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii: in silico search of regulatory sequences responsive to salt and nitrogen stress

Background: During salt stress, the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii synthesizes tyrosine as a strategy to avoid the oxidation of proteins. Tyrosine reacts with nitrogen radicals to form 3-nitrotyrosine. 3-nitrotyrosine prevents the effects of associated oxidative stress and thus contributes to the high halotolerace of the yeast. However, the mechanism of how D. hansenii counteracts the presence of this toxic compound is unclear. In this work, we evaluated D. hansenii's capacity to assimilate 3-nitrotyrosine as a unique nitrogen source and measured its denitrase activity under salt stress. To identify putative genes related to the assimilation of 3-nitrotyrosine, we performed an in silico search in the promoter regions of D. hansenii genome. Results: We identified 15 genes whose promoters had binding site sequences for transcriptional factors of sodium, nitrogen, and oxidative stress with oxidoreductase and monooxygenase GO annotations. Two of these genes, DEHA2E24178g and DEHA2C00286g, coding for putative denitrases and having GATA sequences, were evaluated by RT-PCR and showed high expression under salt and nitrogen stress. Conclusions: D. hansenii can grow in the presence of 3-nitrotyrosine as the only nitrogen source and has a high specific denitrase activity to degrade 3-nitrotyrosine in 1 and 2 M NaCl stress conditions. The results suggest that given the lack of information on transcriptional factors in D. hansenii, the genes identified in our in silico analysis may help explain 3-nitrotyrosine assimilation mechanisms.

Utilização de diferentes volumes de sêmen na realização do teste hiposmótico em touros adultos da raça nelore / Use of different semen volumes in hypoosmotic test of adult nelore bulls / El uso de diferentes volúmenes de semen en el test hiposmótico en toros adultos de la raza nelore

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar diferentes proporções de sêmen: solução hiposmótica na realização do teste hiposmótico e suas relações com a congelabilidade do sêmen de touros zebuínos. Utilizaram-se 15 ejaculados de três touros adultos da raça Nelore. No sêmen in natura realizou-se a avaliação física e morfológica, a coloração supravital e o teste hiposmótico. No teste hiposmótico foi utilizada uma solução com osmolaridade de 100 mOsm/Kg com 15 minutos de período de incubação a 37 ºC, tanto no sêmen in natura quanto no congelado/descongelado. Foram utilizados quatro volumes de sêmen em 1mL de solução hiposmótica: 10, 20, 50 e 100 µL. As amostras criopreservadas foram descongeladas e foram realizados os testes hiposmótico, coloração supravital, teste de termo-resistência lento e a coloração fluorescente. Os valores médios e desvios padrão do percentual de espermatozoides reativos ao teste hiposmótico em sêmen in natura e congelado/descongelado foram 69,3 ± 11,8 e 20,5 ± 6,8; respectivamente. Não houve correlação do teste hiposmótico com os aspectos físicos e morfológicos e os testes complementares realizados em sêmen in natura e congelado/descongelado. Nenhum teste de integridade de membrana plasmática dos espermatozoides foi capaz de classificar os touros quanto a sua congelabilidade do sêmen. Conclui-se que o teste hiposmótico pode ser realizado com 20 a 100 µL de sêmen in natura, e 10 a 100 µL de sêmen congelado/descongelado em 1 mL de solução hiposmótica, sem interferir em seus resultados, mas deve-se optar por 100 µL tanto para sêmen in natura e congelado/descongelado, porque melhora consideravelmente a leitura das lâminas.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate different proportions of semen: hypoosmotic solution in the hypoosmotic swelling test and their relationship with semen freezability in Zebu bulls. A total of 15 ejaculates from three adult Nelore bulls were used. Physical and morphological features were analyzed in fresh semen, as well as supravital staining and hypoosmotic swelling test. In the hypoosmotic test, a hypoosmotic solution with 100 mOsm/kg osmolality using 15 minutes incubation at 37 °C was used both in fresh and frozen/thawed semen. Four semen volumes in 1-ml hyposmotic solution were used: 10, 20, 50 and 100 µL. Cryopreserved samples were thawed and submitted to hypoosmotic tests, supravital staining, slow thermo-resistance test and fluorescent staining. Mean values and standard deviations of the percentage of reactive sperm cells in the hypoosmotic test in fresh and frozen/thawed semen were 69.3 ± 11.8 and 20.5 ± 6.8, respectively. There was no correlation between the hypoosmotic test and physical and morphological features and the complementary tests performed on fresh and frozen/thawed semen. None of the plasma membrane integrity tests was able to predict bull semen freezability. It can be concluded that the hypoosmotic test can be performed with 20 to 100 µL fresh semen, and 10 to 100 µL of frozen/thawed semen in 1 mL of hypoosmotic solution without interfering with their results, but 100 µL should be used in both, because it considerably improves the view of the slides.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio ha sido evaluar diferentes proporciones de semen: solución hiposmótica en la realización del test hiposmótico y sus relaciones con la congelabilidad del semen de toros cebú. Se utilizaron 15 eyaculados de tres toros adultos de la raza Nelore. En el semen fresco se realizó evaluación física y morfológica, la tinción supravital y test hiposmótico. En el test hiposmótico se ha utilizado una solución con osmolaridad de 100 mOsm/kg con un período de incubación de 15 minutos a 37 ºC, tanto en el semen fresco cuanto en el congelado/descongelado. Fueron utilizados cuatro volúmenes de 1 mL de solución hiposmótica: 10, 20, 50, y 100 µL. Las muestras criopreservadas fueron descongeladas y realizados los tests hiposmótico, tinción supravital, test de resistencia al fuego lento y la tinción fluorescente. Los valores medios y desvío estándar del porcentaje de espermatozoides reactivos al test hiposmótico en l semen fresco y congelado/descongelado fueron 69,3 ± 11,8 y 20,5 ± 6,8; respectivamente. No hubo correlación del test hiposmótico con las características físicas y morfológicas y pruebas adicionales en el semen fresco y congelado/descongelado. Ningún test de integridad de la membrana plasmática de los espermatozoides han sido capaz de clasificar a los toros cuanto su congelabilidad del semen. Se puede concluir que el test hiposmótico puede ser realizado con 20 a 100 µL de semen fresco, y de 10 a 100 µL de semen congelado/descongelado en 1 mL de solución hiposmótica, sin interferir en sus resultados, pero se debe optar por 100 µL para el semen fresco y congelado/descongelado, porque mejora significativamente la lectura de las láminas.(AU)

Acclimation of juvenile Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae) to different environmental salinities

Survival and physiological parameters associated with metabolism and osmoregulation were evaluated in juveniles of the Lebranche mullet Mugil liza acclimated to different water salinities (5, 10, 20, 30, and 40‰) for 15 days. Room temperature (25ºC) and photoperiod (12L:12D) were fixed. Fish were fed twice-a-day with commercial diet (28% crude protein) until satiation. After acclimation, whole body oxygen consumption was measured and fish were euthanized and sampled for blood, gills, and liver. Whole body oxygen consumption and plasma osmolality did not change in the range of salinities tested. The isosmotic point was estimated as 412.7 mOsmol kg-1 (13.5‰). Gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity tended to be lower at 20 and 30‰, while liver glycogen content was significantly higher at 20‰ than at 5 and 40‰. These results indicate that juvenile M. lizais able to acclimate for a short-period of time (15 days) to a wide range of salinities (5-40‰). This condition is achieved through adjustments in gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity and carbohydrate metabolism to regulate plasma osmolality and aerobic/energy metabolism. Therefore, our findings support the idea of catching juveniles M. lizain sea water and rear them in estuarine and marine waters.

A sobrevivência e parâmetros fisiológicos associados ao metabolismo e a osmorregulação foram avaliados em juvenis da tainha Mugil lizaaclimatada à diferentes salinidades (5, 10, 20, 30 e 40‰) por 15 dias. Foram fixadas a temperatura (25ºC) e o fotoperíodo (12L:12D) da sala onde os experimentos foram realizados. Os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com ração comercial (28% de proteína bruta) até a saciedade. Após aclimatação, foi medido o consumo corporal de oxigênio e os peixes foram eutanasiados e foram coletadas amostras de sangue, brânquias e fígado. O consumo corporal de oxigênio e a osmolalidade plasmática não variaram na faixa de salinidade testada. O ponto isosmótico foi estimado em 412,7 mOsmol kg-1 (13,5‰). A atividade da Na+,K+-ATPase branquial tendeu a ser menor em 20 e 30‰, enquanto o conteúdo de glicogênio hepático foi significativamente maior em 20‰ do que em 5 e 40‰. Estes resultados indicam que o juvenil de M. liza é capaz de se aclimatar a uma ampla faixa de salinidade (5-40‰) por um curto período de tempo (15 dias). Esta condição é atingida através de ajustes na atividade da Na+,K+-ATPase branquial e no metabolismo de carboidratos para regular a osmolalidade plasmática e o metabolismo aeróbico/energético. Portanto, nossos achados suportam a ideia de que é possível capturar juvenis da tainha M. liza em água do mar e cultivá-los em águas estuarinas e marinhas.

Effect of salinity on the metabolism and osmoregulation of selected ontogenetic stages of an amazon population of Macrobrachium amazonicum shrimp (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) / Efeito da salinidade sobre o metabolismo e a osmorregulação de estágios ontogenéticos selecionados de uma população amazônica do camarão Macrobrachium amazonicum (Decapoda, Palaemonidade)

Probably as a function of their wide geographical distribution, the different population of Macrobrachium amazonicum shrimp may present distinct physiological, biochemical, reproductive, behavioral, and ecological patterns. These differences are so accentuated that the existence of allopatric speciation has been suggested, although initial studies indicate that the genetic variability of populations happen at an intraspecific level. Among the biological responses described for M. amazonicum populations, those regarding osmoregulation and metabolism play a key role for being related to the occupation of diverse habitats. To this effect, we investigated osmoregulation through the role of free amino acids in cell volume control and metabolism, through oxygen consumption in larvae (zoeae I, II, V and IX) and/or post-larvae of a M. amazonicum population from Amazon, kept in aquaculture fish hatcheries in the state of São Paulo. The results add information regarding the existence of distinct physiological responses among M. amazonicum populations and suggest that possible adjustments to metabolism and to the use of free amino acids as osmolytes of the regulation of the larvae and post-larvae cell volume depend on the appearance of structures responsible for hemolymph osmoregulation like, for example, the gills. In this respect, we verified that zoeae I do not alter their metabolism due to the exposition to fresh or brackish water, but they reduce intracellular concentration of free amino acids when exposed to fresh water, what may suggest the inexistence or inefficient performance of the structures responsible for volume regulation and hemolymph composition. On the other hand, in zoeae II and V exposed to fresh and brackish water, metabolism alterations were not followed by changes in free amino acids concentration. Thus it is possible, as the structures responsible for osmoregulation and ionic regulation become functional, that the role of free amino acids gets diminished and oxygen consumption elevated, probably due to greater energy expenditure with the active transportation of salts through epithelial membranes. Osmotic challenges also seem to alter throughout development, given that in zoeae II oxygen consumption is elevated on brackish water of 18, but in zoeae V it happens in fresh water. After M. amazonicum metamorphosis, free amino acids begin to play an important role as intracellular osmolytes, because we verified an increase of up to 40% in post-larvae exposed to brackish water of 18. The main free amino acids involved in cell volume regulation of ontogenetic stages evaluated were the non essential ones: glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, arginine, and proline. Interestingly, larvae from estuarine population studied here survived until the zoeae V stage in fresh water, but in some populations far from the sea, zoeae die right after eclosion in fresh water or they do not reach zoeae III stage. In addition, given that in favorable conditions caridean shrimp larvae shorten their development, we may infer that the cultivation environment, in which larvae developed in the present work, was appropriate, because almost all zoeae VIII kept on brackish water underwent metamorphosis directly to post-larvae and did not go through zoeae IX stage.

Provavelmente como função da sua ampla distribuição geográfica, as diferentes populações do camarão Macrobrachium amazonicum podem apresentar distintos padrões fisiológicos, bioquímicos, reprodutivos, comportamentais e ecológicos. Essas diferenças são tão acentuadas que tem sido sugerido a existência de especiação alopátrica embora estudos iniciais indiquem que a variabilidade genética das populações ocorre ao nível intraespecífico. Dentre as respostas biológicas descritas para as populações de M. amazonicum, aquelas relacionadas à osmorregulação e metabolismo têm papel central por estarem relacionadas à ocupação dos diversos habitats. Nesse sentido, investigou-se a osmorregulação, por meio do papel dos aminoácidos livres no controle do volume celular e o metabolismo, por meio do consumo de oxigênio, em larvas (zoeas I, II, V e IX) e/ou pós-larvas de uma população de M. amazonicum oriunda da Amazônia e mantida em viveiros de aquicultura no estado de São Paulo. Os resultados adicionam informações a respeito da existência de respostas fisiológicas distintas entre as populações de M. amazonicum e sugerem que possíveis ajustes no metabolismo e no uso de aminoácidos livres como osmólitos da regulação do volume celular das larvas e pós-larvas dependem do surgimento de estruturas responsáveis pela osmorregulação da hemolinfa como, por exemplo, as brânquias. Nesse sentido, verificou-se que as zoeas I não alteram seu metabolismo em função da exposição à água doce ou salobra, mas reduzem a concentração intracelular de aminoácidos livres quando expostas à água doce, o que pode sugerir a inexistência ou um desempenho ineficiente das estruturas responsáveis pela regulação do volume e composição da hemolinfa. Por outro lado, nas zoeas II e V expostas à água doce ou salobra alterações no metabolismo não foram acompanhadas por mudanças na concentração dos aminoácidos livres. Assim é possível que à medida que estruturas responsáveis pela osmo e ionorregulação tornam-se funcionais, o papel dos aminoácidos livres se torne reduzido e o consumo de oxigênio elevado, provavelmente em função do maior gasto energético com o transporte ativo de sais através das membranas epiteliais. Os desafios osmóticos também parecem se alterar ao longo do desenvolvimento visto que em zoeas II o consumo de oxigênio é elevado em água salobra de 18 mas em zoeas V essa resposta ocorre em água doce. Após a metamorfose de M. amazonicum, os aminoácidos livres passam a ter papel importante como osmólitos intracelulares, pois se verificou um aumento de até 40% nas pós-larvas expostas à água salobra de 18. Os principais aminoácidos livres envolvidos na regulação do volume celular dos estágios ontogenéticos avaliados foram os não essenciais ácido glutâmico, glicina, alanina, arginina e prolina. Interessantemente, as larvas da população estuarina aqui estudada sobrevivem até o estágio de zoea V em água doce mas em algumas populações distantes do mar as zoeas morrem logo após a eclosão em água doce ou não chegam ao estágio de zoea III. Adicionalmente, visto que em condições favoráveis as larvas de camarões carídeos abreviam o seu desenvolvimento pode ser inferido que o meio de cultivo em que as larvas se desenvolveram no presente trabalho foi adequado, pois quase todas as zoeas VIII mantidas em água salobra sofreram diretamente a metamorfose para pós-larvas e não passaram pelo estágio de zoeas IX.

Expression studies on NA+/K+-ATPase in gills of Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) acclimated to different salinities.

The decapod crustacean Penaeus monodon survives large fluctuations in salinity through osmoregulation in which Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity in the gills plays a central role. Adult P. monodon specimens were gradually acclimatized to 5, 25 and 35‰ salinities and maintained for 20 days to observe long term alterations in NKA expression. Specific NKA activity assayed in gill tissues was found to be 3 folds higher at 5‰ compared to 25‰ (isosmotic salinity) and 0.48 folds lower at 35‰. The enzyme was immunolocalized in gills using mouse α-5 monoclonal antibody that cross reacts with P. monodon NKA α-subunit. At 5‰ the immunopositive cells were distributed on lamellar tips and basal lamellar epithelium of the secondary gill filaments and their number was visibly higher. At both 25‰ and 35‰ NKA positive cells were observed in the inter-lamellar region but the expression was more pronounced at 25‰. Gill architecture was normal at all salinities. However, the 1.5 fold increase in NKA α-subunit mRNA at 5‰ measured by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) using EF1α as reference gene was not statistically significant. The study confirms the osmoregulating ability of P. monodon like other crustaceans at lower salinities. It is likely that significant increase in NKA transcript level happens at an earlier time point. At higher salinities all three methods record only marginal or no change from isosmotic controls confirming the hypothesis that the animal largely osmoconforms in hyperosmotic environment.

Effects of variations of osmolarity on behavior in leptodactylus macrosternum miranda-ribeiro, 1926 (leptodactylidae, anura, amphibia)

Amphibians experiencing evapotranspirative water loss may suffer dehydration. Another difficulty is their limited tolerance to brackish water. This study aimed to investigate the effect of water salinity on behavior (activity and water conservation posture) in Leptodactylus macrosternum, in normally hydrated animals with urine in their bladder, in normally hydrated animals without urine in their bladder and in dehydrated ones with urine removed from their bladder. Experiments were filmed, behaviors were registered, and a Behavioral Dehydration Protection Index (BDPI) was calculated, using a weighted average of the postures. A GLM and Kruskall Wallis test was performed with Dunn's multiple comparisons test to evaluate the effects of osmotic gradient stress on BDPI. It was found that emptied bladder and aerial dehydration did not influence BDPI (p = 0.832 and p = 0.142, respectively), contrary to what is seen in the literature. The different osmotic media had a significant effect on BDPI (p = 0.0003).

Anfíbios que experimentam perda de água podem sofrer desidratação. Outra dificuldade é a tolerância limitada à água salobra. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o efeito da salinidade da água no comportamento (atividade e postura de conservação de água) de L. macrosternum, normalmente hidratados com urina armazenada na bexiga, normalmente hidratados com urina removida da bexiga e nos desidratados com urina removida da bexiga. Os experimentos foram filmados e foi calculado o índice de proteção comportamental da desidratação (BDPI) usando média ponderada. Realizamos modelo linear generalizado e teste Kruskall-Wallis com comparação múltipla de Dunn, para analisar o efeito dos gradientes de estresse osmótico sobre o BDPI. Observamos que a bexiga esvaziada e a desidratação exercida pelo ar não influenciam o aumento do BDPI (p = 0.832 e p = 0.142, respectivamente) sendo contrário ao visto em literatura. Os diferentes meios osmóticos tiveram efeito sobre o BDPI (p = 0.0003).

The effect of salinity on osmoregulation and development of the juvenile fat snook, Centropomus parallelus (POEY) / O efeito da salinidade sobre a osmoregulacao e o desenvolvimento do juvenil de robalo-peva, Centropomus parallelus (POEY)

Eurihaline fish support waters with different salt concentration. However, numerous studies have shown that salinity can affect fish development. Thus, the effect of salinity change from 20 to 5 and 35 on survival, weight, length, gill chloride cell ultrastructure and gill Na+, K+ ATPase activity was evaluated in Centropomus parallelus following short-term (6, 24 and 96 hours) and long-term exposure (30 and 60 days). Salinity did not affect C. parallelus survival, final weight and length. The quantity of chloride cells increased visibly at salinities of 5 and 35, with the cells exhibiting the typical features of uptake and secretory cells, respectively. Na+, K+ ATPase activity in the gill of the C. parallelus was significantly greater at a salinity of 5 than at a salinity of 20 or 35 after 96 hours, but not after 30 or 60 days. These results indicate that salinity change from high to low salt water induces gill chloride cell and Na+, K+ ATPase activity adaptations after short-term exposure. However, after long-term exposure at salinity 5, gill Na+, K+ ATPase activity is no more necessary at high levels. The increase in salinity to 35 does not induce significant change in gills. Juveniles of C. parallelus may thus be capable of acclimating to salinities of 5 to 35 for 60 days without significant effects on development.

Peixes eurihalinos suportam águas com diferentes concentrações de sal. Contudo, muitos estudos têm mostrado que a salinidade pode afetar o desenvolvimento do peixe. Portanto, o efeito da mudança de salinidade de 20 para 5 e 35 na taxa de sobrevivência, peso, comprimento, morfologia das células de cloreto branquiais e atividade da Na+, K+ ATPase foram avaliadas no Centropomus parallelus após curto (6, 24 e 96 horas) e longo tempo de exposição (30 e 60 dias). A salinidade não afetou a sobrevivência, o peso e comprimento final do robalo-peva. A quantidade de células de cloreto aumentou visivelmente nas salinidades 5 e 35, exibindo morfologias típicas de células que absorvem e secretam sal, respectivamente. A atividade da Na+, K+ ATPase nas brânquias do C. parallelus foi significativamente maior na salinidade 5 do que nas salinidades 20 ou 35 após 96 horas, mas não após 30 e 60 dias. Esses resultados indicam que a mudança de alta para baixa salinidade provoca adaptações nas células de cloreto e na atividade da Na+, K+ ATPase branquial em curto prazo. Contudo, após longa exposição na salinidade 5, a alta atividade da Na+, K+ ATPase branquial não é mais necessária. O aumento de salinidade para 35 não induz mudanças significativas nas brânquias. Portanto, juvenis de C. parallelus possuem a capacidade de aclimatação nas salinidades de 5 a 35 semefeitos significativos no desenvolvimento após 60 dias.

Characteristics of hemolytic activity induced by skin secretions of the frog Kaloula pulchra hainana

Background: Previous works had shown that scorpion venom induced neurotransmitter elevation and an inflammatory response associated with various anatomo-pathological modifications. The most dangerous scorpions species in Algeria responsible for these effects are Androctonus australis hector (Aah) and Androctonus amoreuxi (Aam). Results: Comparison of the physiopathological effects induced by the two venoms showed differences in the kinetic of cytokine release and in lung injury. The lung edema was only observed in response to Aah venom and it was correlated with cell infiltration. In order to better understand the involved mechanism in inflammatory response, we used two antagonists, atropine (non-selective muscarinic antagonist) and propranolol (ß adrenergic antagonist), which lead to a decrease of cell infiltration but has no effect on edema forming. Conclusion: These results suggest another pathway in the development of lung injury following envenomation with Aam or Aah venom.(AU)

Polydipsia, Water Intoxication and Vasopressin in Psychiatric Patients / 대한정신약물학회지

There appeared remarkably common disorder of water balance in psychiatric patients. Approximately 30% of the chronic inpatient population drinks fluids excessively, so called polydipsic, while 5% suffers episodes of water intoxication. Water intoxication is a serious problem characterized by profound hyponatremia and a diverse neurologic signs ranging from ataxia, confusion to death. The cause of polydipsia is even less clear. Although previous studies have suggested that it is related to cognitive dysfunction the possibility of an abnormality in the osmoregulation of thirst has not been investigated. But there is the hypothesis that polydipsic, hyponatremic schizophrenics exhibit increased neuroendocrine and behavioral sensitivity to dopamine in mesolimbic tracts, in proportion to the severity of their osmoregulatory disturbance. In order to provide the optimal clinical management of these common disturbances, the author will review their pathophysiology, assessment, treatment and relationship with mental illness.

Studies on the Activation of Neurons involved in Osmoregulation in Developing and Aging Rat / 대한해부학회지

Previous studies by others have shown that administration of hypertonic saline (HS) induces c-fos expression in rat brain and old fibroblast cells are defective in transcription of c-fos in response to serum. The present immunohisto-chemical studies were undertaken to determine 1) the time that c-fos is expressed during the postnatal development of rat brain and 2) if there is aging-related change of c-fos expression in the osmoresponsive neurons after osmotic stimulus. Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) in response to HS treatment began to be detected dramatically at postnatal day (P) 14 in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), supraoptic nucleus (SON), and organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT). Intensity of FLI and number of Fos immunoreactive cells induced by HS were substantially reduced as rats age. Our data demonstrate for the first time that c-fos induction is decreased in aging-dependent manner and the time of c-fos induction during postnatal development is coincided with the status of differentiation in rat brain. We will interpret these findings in relation to synaptogenesis, and maturation or disability of signal transduction pathways in osmoresponsive neurons in rat brain.

A Case of Hypernatremia due to Esophageal Foreign Body

Hypertonic or hypernatremic dehydration, which is uncommon in pediatric patients beyond infancy, has a distinct pathophysiology that differentiates the clinical presentation and management from other forms of dehydration. Severe hypernatremia may precipitate central nervous system injury, seizures, intracerebral bleeding, retardation, and even death. Causes of hypernatremia include inadequate water intake, salt overload, extrarenal water loss, defective osmoregulation, and water loss with simultaneous gain of solute. We experienced a case of hypernatremia due to esophageal foreign body. These authors reported a case with review of literatures.

Regulation of AQP-4 water channel expression in the brain during development and by ischemia

Water transport is mediated by two distinct pathways, diffusional and channel-mediated water transport. The first molecular water channel was identified from human erythrocytes in 1992. Genetically-related proteins from other mammalian tissues have subsequently been identified to transport water, and the group is referred to as the "Aquaporins". Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is most abundant in the brain, which may be involved in CSF reabsorption and osmoregulation. However, ontogeny and regulatory mechanisms of AQP4 channels have not been reported. Northern blot analysis showed that AQP4 mRNA began to be expressed in the brain just before birth and that its expression gradually increased by PN7 and then decreased at adult level. AQP4 was expressed predominantly in the ependymal cells of ventricles in newborn rats. And then its expression decreased in ependymal cells and increased gradually in other regions including supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. AQP4 is also expressed in the subfornical organ, in which the expression level is not changed after birth. Cryogenic brain injury did not affect expression of AQP4 mRNA, while ischemic brain injury decreased it. Osmotic water permeability of AQP4 channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes was inhibited by the pretreatment of BAPTA/AM and calmidazolium, a Ca2+/ Calmodulin kinase inhibitor, in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that the expression and the function of AQP4 channel are regulated by developmental processes and various pathophysiological conditions. These results will contribute to the understanding of fluid balance in the central nervous system and the osrmoregulatory mechanisms of the body.

A case of hypodipsic hypernatremia

Hypodipsic hypernatremia is characterized by chronic or recurrent episodes of severe hypernatermia associated with dehydration and a lack of thirst. This constellation of deficits suggests that the syndrome is due to hypodipsia of destruction of the hypothalamic osmoreceptors that regulate thirst and ADH secretion. We report a child with abnormalities of the central nervous system who had hypernatremia and a lack of thirst without detectable abnormalities in the osmoregulation of ADH secretion. The patient was a 11 month old female and her chief complaints were poor oral intake and weight gain. There were recurrent hypernatremia with hyperosmosis and normal level of plasma ADH. With intravenous rehydratin, oral intake was improved and plasma sodium level decreased.