Neuropharmacological Targets for Drug Action in Vestibular Sensory Pathways

The use of pharmacological agents is often the preferred approach to the management of vestibular dysfunction. In the vestibular sensory pathways, the sensory neuroepithelia are thought to be influenced by a diverse number of neuroactive substances that may act to enhance or inhibit the effect of the primary neurotransmitters [i.e., glutamate (Glu) and acetylcholine (ACh)] or alter their patterns of release. This review summarizes various efforts to identify drug targets including neurotransmitter and neuromodulator receptors in the vestibular sensory pathways. Identifying these receptor targets provides a strategic basis to use specific pharmacological tools to modify receptor function in the treatment and management of debilitating balance disorders. A review of the literature reveals that most investigations of the neuropharmacology of peripheral vestibular function have been performed using in vitro or ex vivo animal preparations rather than studying drug action on the normal intact vestibular system in situ. Such noninvasive approaches could aid the development of more accurate and effective intervention strategies for the treatment of dizziness and vertigo. The current review explores the major neuropharmacological targets for drug action in the vestibular system.

Neuropharmacological Targets for Drug Action in Vestibular Sensory Pathways

The use of pharmacological agents is often the preferred approach to the management of vestibular dysfunction. In the vestibular sensory pathways, the sensory neuroepithelia are thought to be influenced by a diverse number of neuroactive substances that may act to enhance or inhibit the effect of the primary neurotransmitters [i.e., glutamate (Glu) and acetylcholine (ACh)] or alter their patterns of release. This review summarizes various efforts to identify drug targets including neurotransmitter and neuromodulator receptors in the vestibular sensory pathways. Identifying these receptor targets provides a strategic basis to use specific pharmacological tools to modify receptor function in the treatment and management of debilitating balance disorders. A review of the literature reveals that most investigations of the neuropharmacology of peripheral vestibular function have been performed using in vitro or ex vivo animal preparations rather than studying drug action on the normal intact vestibular system in situ. Such noninvasive approaches could aid the development of more accurate and effective intervention strategies for the treatment of dizziness and vertigo. The current review explores the major neuropharmacological targets for drug action in the vestibular system.

Neonatal Administration of Memantine Enhances Social Cognition in Adult Rats Subjected to Early Maternal Deprivation

Schizophrenia is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder; however, all the available treatment options are used when the disease becomes clinically significant in adolescence or early adulthood. Using a developmental rat model of schizophrenia, we examined whether neonatal treatment with memantine, an NMDA receptor modulator, can improve schizophrenic-like symptoms in adulthood. Early maternal deprivation in rats produces deficits in social interaction behaviors in adulthood. In contrast, memantine administrated in neonatal rats subjected to early maternal deprivation significantly reduces deficits in social interaction behaviors in adulthood. These results raise the possibility that pharmacological treatment with memantine at the early developmental stage helps people with a risk to develop schizophrenic-like symptoms.

Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory and neuropharmacological effects of Atropa belladonna

The present study was carried out to investigate, in vivo, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuropharmacological activities of the methanolic extract of Atropa belladonna. The analgesic activity was measured by acetic acid induced writhing inhibition test. The neuro-pharmacological activities were evaluated by open field, rearing test, cage cross, swim test, head dip and traction tests. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by formalin induce inflammation on hind paw. The extract showed highly significant [p<0.001] analgesic activity with % inhibitions of writhing response at doses 100 and 300mg/kg body weight were 28.5% and 57.1%, respectively. The extract at both doses showed significant [p<0.05] sedative effect in-cage cross test and highly significance value [p<0.001] in high dose. In-open field test, the extract showed significant [P<0.05] anxiolytic activity at higher dose whereas in rearing test activity shows significant p-value at both doses. The extract also showed significant value for anti-inflammatory activity. The findings of the study clearly indicated the presence of significant analgesic, neuro-pharmacological and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant, which demands further investigation including, compounds isolation

Assessment of anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and neuropharmacological activities of Cyperus rotundus Linn.

This article reports the assessment of anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and neuropharmacological activities of crude extract of Cyperus rotundus. The plant exhibited significant property to act as an anti inflammatory agent. In experimental design, inflammation was produced by carrageenan in rats and compare with saline treated and Aspirin treated group. Simultaneously the drug was also observed for its antiulcer response and found effective enough [these two activities were observed at the dosage of 300mg/kg and 500mg/kg]. The anti ulcer activity was observed 41.2% as a dosage of 500mg/kg. Neuropharmacological activities [open field, head dip, rearing traction and forced swimming test] were also observed at 300 and 500mg/kg of C. rotundus extract. The crude extract showed mild decreased in all test and exhibited slight muscle relaxant effect. Powder drug studies and FTIR analysis were performed for the authentication of C. rotundus

O uso de filmes como recurso pedagógico no ensino de neurofarmacologia / The use of films as an educational resource on neuropharmacology teaching / El uso de películas como recurso pedagógico en la enseñanza de neurofarmacología

Recursos audiovisuais são estratégias utilizadas para facilitar o processo ensino-aprendizagem. Entretanto, o uso de filmes comerciais como recurso pedagógico para o ensino das ciências da saúde, tal como a farmacologia, não é tão comum. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar nossa experiência com o uso de filmes, como: Linha Mortal, Mr. Jones, Tempo de despertar, entre outros, como ferramenta de ensino da disciplina Neurofarmacologia. Embora seja ministrada para o ensino de graduação do curso de Enfermagem da Universidade de Brasília, a metodologia pode ser adotada em outros cursos da área de Ciências da Saúde. A combinação de referencial teórico de Neurofarmacologia e a discussão dos filmes em sala de aula pode ser comparada a um estudo de caso, cuja narrativa permite aproximar os estudantes da realidade, tornando lúdico e fácil de relacionar as situações clínicas com o tratamento farmacológico, além de assimilarem novos conceitos.

Audiovisual resources are strategies used to facilitate the process of teaching. However, the use of commercial films as an educational resource for teaching health sciences, such as pharmacology, is not very common. The purpose of this article is to describe our experience with using films, as Flatliners, Mr. Jones, Awakenings, among others, as a teaching tool for the Neuropharmacology course. Although it is used to teach undergraduates at the Nursing course of Brasília University, the methodology can be adopted by other courses in the field of Health Sciences. The combination of the theoretical framework of Neuropharmacology and the classroom discussion of the films can be compared to a case study, whose narrative allows the students to be brought closer to reality, making it entertaining and easier for them to relate to clinical situations, with pharmacotherapy, and to assimilate new concepts.

Los recursos audiovisuales son estrategias para facilitar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El uso de películas comerciales como recurso pedagógico para la enseñanza de las ciencias de la salud, tal como la farmacología, no es tan común. El objetivo de este artículo es relatar nuestra experiencia al usar películas, como, Línea Mortal, Mr. Jones, Tiempo de despertar, entre otras, como herramienta de enseñanza de la asignatura de Neurofarmacología. Aunque se utilice para la enseñanza del curso de graduación de Enfermería de la Universidad de Brasilia, la metodología se puede adoptar en otros cursos de las Ciencias de la Salud. La combinación del referencial teórico de Neurofarmacología y la discusión de las películas en clases se puede comparar a un estudio del caso, cuya narrativa permite aproximar los estudiantes a la realidad, volviendo lúdico y más fácil relacionar las situaciones clínicas con el tratamiento farmacológico y assimilar nuevos conceptos.

Trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad y el mejoramiento cognitivo: ¿cuál es la responsabilidad del médico? / Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and cognitive enhancement: which is the medical responsibility?

El artículo trata del mejoramiento neurofarmacológico de la cognición, uno de los temas más frecuentes en Neuroética y Bioética aplicada a la Neurociencia. Discute acerca del uso racional de estos fármacos. La normalización social, según Georges Canguilhem, unifica la diversidad estableciendo valores en común para una sociedad. El mejoramiento cognitivo farmacológico puede favorecer el cumplimiento de deberes y expectativas sociales surgidos a partir de estos valores. El mejoramiento cognitivo farmacológico cosmético y terapéutico (por ejemplo, el utilizado en el TDAH, caso sobre el que se centra este artículo) implica por parte del médico asumir la responsabilidad de facilitar el cumplimiento de ciertas expectativas sociales, adhiriéndose implícitamente a ellas. En la conclusión se considera necesaria entonces, una reflexión del médico acerca del sentido de estas expectativas teniendo en cuenta valores como la vida, la identidad, la integridad, la libertad, la salud y el bienestar de las personas y comunidades.

The article is about neuropharmacological enhancement of cognition, one of the most common topics of the Neuroethics and Bioethics applied to Neuroscience. It discusses the rational use of these drugs. Socialnormalization, according to Georges Canguilhem, unifies diversity establishing common values for society.The pharmacological cognitive enhancement can help the compliance of the duties and expectations arisingfrom these values. The cosmetic and therapeutic pharmacological cognitive enhancement (for example, usedin ADHD, case in which this article is focusing) implies for the physicians the social responsibility of makingeasier the compliance of certain social expectations, adhering to them implicitly. Then it is necessary for thephysician to reflect about the meaning of those social expectations taking into account values such as life,identity, integrity, freedom, health and welfare of persons and communities.

Neuropharmacological properties of Trichosanthes dioica root / 中国天然药物

AIM@#Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as pointed gourd in English, is a dioecious climber grown widely in the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally, this plant has been used in India for several medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to evaluate certain neuropharmacological properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of T. dioica root (TDA) in experimental animal models.@*METHODS@#TDA (at 100 and 200 mg·kg(-1) body weight, p.o.) was evaluated for anti-nociceptive activity by the acetic acid-induced writhing and tail flick methods. Locomotor depressant activity was measured by means of an actophotometer. Skeletal muscle relaxant effects were evaluated by using a rota-rod apparatus, and the sedative potentiating property by a phenobarbitone-induced sleep potentiation study.@*RESULTS@#The results of the present study revealed significant (P < 0.001) and dose dependent anti-nociceptive, locomotor depressant, muscle relaxant, and sedative potentiating effects of TDA, demonstrating its depressant action on the central nervous system (CNS).@*CONCLUSION@#From the present study, it can be concluded that T. dioica root possessed prominent anti-nociceptive, as well as depressant, action on the CNS, as manifested by these important neuropharmacological properties in mice.

Envolvimento de receptores 5-HT2C do hipocampo ventral em comportamentos de defesa de ratos no labirinto em cruz elevado / Involvement of ventral hippocampus 5-HT2C receptors on defensive behaviors of rats in the elevated plus-maze

A ativação farmacológica dos receptores 5-HT2C induz comportamentos de defesa em modelos animais. O estudo busca investigar se o bloqueio seletivo de receptores 5-HT2C no hipocampo ventral (HV) previne comportamentos defensivos induzidos por um agonista de receptor 5-HT2C administrado perifericamente em ratos expostos ao labirinto em cruz elevado (LCE). Quinze minutos após injeções intraperitoniais (IP, 1ml/kg) do agonista 5-HT2C WAY-161503, ratos foram microinjetados bilateralmente no HV com o antagonista seletivo de receptores 5-HT2C SB-242084 (0, 0,1, 0,5 ou 1.5μg). Dez minutos após, cada animal foi exposto ao LCE para o registro de categorias de ansiedade. Injeções sistêmicas do WAY-161503 reduziram seletivamente as explorações nos braços abertos e aumentaram padrões de avaliação de risco. Esse efeito foi atenuado de maneira dose-dependente pela microinjeção de SB-242084 no HV, confirmando a ação ansiogênica de agonistas 5-HT2C e sugerindo que esse perfil comportamental seja mediado, pelo menos em parte, por receptores 5-HT2C do HV.

Pharmacological 5-HT2C receptor activation induces defensive behaviors in several animal models of anxiety. The present study investigated whether the selective blockade of 5-HT2C receptors in the ventral hippocampus (VH) prevents defensive behaviors induced by a 5-HT2C agonist administered systemically in rats exposed to the elevated plus-maze (EPM). Fifteen minutes after intraperitonial (IP, 1ml/kg) injections of the selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist WAY-161503 (3 mg/kg), rats were bilaterally microinjected with the selective 5-HT2C antagonist SB-242084 (0, 0.1, 0.5 or 1.5μg) into the VH. Ten minutes after, each animal was exposed to the EPM for measuring classical and ethological anxiety measures. IP WAY-161503 injections selectively decreased open-arm exploration while increasing risk-assessment. This anxiogenic-like action was dose-dependently attenuated by intra-VH SB-242084 microinjections. These results not only further confirm the anxiogenic-like action of 5-HT2C agonists, but also suggest that this behavioral profile might be mediated at least in part by VH 5-HT2C receptors.

Comorbidades psiquiátricas em dependentes químicos em abstinência em ambiente protegido / Psychiatric comorbidities in abstinent drug addict in a protected environment

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar a frequência de comorbidades psiquiátricas, utilizando Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, em diferentes grupos de dependentes químicos em abstinência, em ambiente protegido, classificados de acordo com o tipo de droga utilizada: (1) grupo controle (n = 37); (2) dependentes em abstinência de álcool (n = 8); (3) dependentes em abstinência de álcool, maconha e crack/cocaína (n = 24); e (4) dependentes em abstinência de múltiplas substâncias psicoativas (n=25), ou seja, indivíduos que faziam uso de vários tipos de drogas sem apresentar uma droga de escolha. Participaram 94 homens, com idade média de 30,41 anos (DP = 9,88). O período de abstinência variou entre 30 e 240 dias. A maioria dos participantes tinha baixa escolaridade e era solteira. Os resultados apontaram maior ocorrência de psicopatologias e risco de suicídio nos grupos formados por pacientes com histórico de consumo múltiplo de substâncias, sugerindo a importância da avaliação de outros transtornos associados à dependência química.

The objective of this research was to determine the frequency of psychiatric comorbidity, using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, in different groups of former drug addicts, classified according to the type of drug used: (1) control group (n = 37), (2) ex-users of alcohol only (n = 8), (3) former users of alcohol, marijuana and crack /cocaine (n = 24), and (4) ex-poly drug users (n = 25), in other words, individuals who use various types of drugs without a clear drug of choice. Participants comprised 94 men, mean age 30.41 years (SD = 9.88). The withdrawal period varied between 30 and 240 days. Most participants had little schooling and were single. The results showed a higher incidence of psychopathology and suicide risk in the groups formed by patients with a history of multiple substance use, suggesting the importance of evaluation of other disorders associated with addiction.

Neurobiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Action Mechanism of OROS Methylphenidate

This article is to review neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and pharmacological properties of Osmotic-Controlled Release Oral delivery System Methylphenidate (OROS MPH)(Concerta Oros(R)) in celebration of its one-decade clinical experiences in Korea. ADHD is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by age-inappropriate inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The symptoms of ADHD are consistent with dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC functions such as working memory and executive function are powerfully modulated by the catecholamine neurotransmitters, dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). Methylphenidate (MPH) is a first line treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD in Korea. MPH improves the PFC functions with the mechanism of action being modulation of DA and NE tones by blocking both dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET). Stimulation of D1 and NE alpha2 receptors on the postsynaptic neurons may be its main mechanisms of action which improve working memory and behavioral inhibition in patients with ADHD. OROS MPH, one of long-acting MPH, employs an osmotic-releasing oral system (OROS), which has been designed to have 12 hour duration of effect, which permits oncedaily dosing, which has been shown to be as effective as 3-times-a-day immediate-release formulation of MPH (IR MPH). Recently there is growing evidence that OROS MPH has positive effects even on adults with ADHD, in multidimensional aspects; cognitively, emotionally and functionally.

Neurobiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Action Mechanism of OROS Methylphenidate

This article is to review neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and pharmacological properties of Osmotic-Controlled Release Oral delivery System Methylphenidate (OROS MPH)(Concerta Oros(R)) in celebration of its one-decade clinical experiences in Korea. ADHD is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by age-inappropriate inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The symptoms of ADHD are consistent with dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC functions such as working memory and executive function are powerfully modulated by the catecholamine neurotransmitters, dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). Methylphenidate (MPH) is a first line treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD in Korea. MPH improves the PFC functions with the mechanism of action being modulation of DA and NE tones by blocking both dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET). Stimulation of D1 and NE alpha2 receptors on the postsynaptic neurons may be its main mechanisms of action which improve working memory and behavioral inhibition in patients with ADHD. OROS MPH, one of long-acting MPH, employs an osmotic-releasing oral system (OROS), which has been designed to have 12 hour duration of effect, which permits oncedaily dosing, which has been shown to be as effective as 3-times-a-day immediate-release formulation of MPH (IR MPH). Recently there is growing evidence that OROS MPH has positive effects even on adults with ADHD, in multidimensional aspects; cognitively, emotionally and functionally.

A systematic review of the neurobiological aspects of memory in the aging process / Revisão sistemática dos aspectos neurobiológicos da memória no processo de envelhecimento

A systematic review of the neuroanatomical literature was performed to determine the neuropharmacological aspects most relevant to the study of memory processes. Articles were retrieved using the search terms "biology of memory", "memory and aging", "memory impairment", "elderly and memory," and their equivalents in Portuguese. Of the studies surveyed, five studies dealt with epidemiological and demographic issues, 12 were clinical trials i.e. were based on testing and implementation of instruments in human subjects, 33 studies were basic research involving studies of mice, rats and non-human primates, and biochemical and in vitro trials and finally, 52 studies were literature reviews or book chapters which in our view, fell into this category. Conclusions: The work sought to highlight which neural networks are most involved in processing information, as well as their location within brain regions and the way in which neurotransmitters interact with each other for the formation of these memories. Moreover, it was shown how memory changes during the normal human aging process, both positively and negatively, by analyzing the morphological alterations that occur in the brain of aging individuals.

Buscou-se verificar na literatura os aspectos neuroanatômicos e neurofarmacológicos mais relevantes no estudo dos processos de memória, através de revisão sistemática. O levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado utilizando-se os termos "biology of memory", "memory and aging", "memory impairment", "elderly and memory", e seus correspondentes em português. Dos estudos levantados, cinco estudos tratavam sobre questões epidemiológicas e demográficas; 12 estudos eram de base clínica, ou seja, as pesquisas ocorreram com base em testes e aplicação de instrumentos em seres humanos; 33 estudos foram oriundos da pesquisa básica, envolvendo pesquisas com camundongos, ratos e primatas não humanos, e ensaios bioquímicos e in vitro; e, por fim, 52 estudos são revisões da literatura ou capítulos de livros que, a nosso ver, enquadram-se nesta categoria. Conclusões: Buscou-se dar destaque para quais redes neurais estão mais envolvidas no processamento das informações, bem como sua localização dentro das regiões cerebrais e a forma com a qual os neurotransmissores interagem entre si e atuam para a formação destas memórias. Ademais, mostrou-se como a memória se altera ao longo do processo de envelhecimento humano normal, negativa e positivamente, analisando as alterações morfológicas que ocorrem no cérebro do indivíduo que envelhece.

Potential of Pandanus odoratissimus as a CNS depressant in Swiss albino mice / Potencial de Pandanus odoratissimus como um depressor do sistema nervoso central em camundongos Swiss albinos

In this study, several neuropharmacological effects of methanolic leaf extract of Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) (family; Pandanaceae) were studied in albino mice using various experimental models. The effect of PO on the CNS was studied by using different neuropharmacological paradigms including spontaneous motor activity, rota-rod performance and potentiation of Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time in albino mice. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation and acute toxicity studies were also carried out where LD50 >2000 mg/kg was considered non-toxic through acute exposure in rats by the oral route. The methanolic leaf extract (50,100 and 200 mg/kg i. p.) produced a reduction in spontaneous motor activity, motor coordination and prolonged Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time. Preliminary qualitative chemical studies indicated the presence of steroids, saponins, terpinoids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and phenolics in the extract. These observations suggest that the leaf of Pandanus odoratissimus contains some active principles which possess potential CNS-depressant action.

Estudaram-se alguns efeitos neurofarmacológicos do extrato metanólico de Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) (família Pandanaceae) em camundongos albinos, usando vários modelos experimentais. O efeito do PO no SNC foi estudado por meio de diferentes paradigmas neurofarmacológicos, como atividade motora espontânea, desempenho na haste rotatória e a potenciação do tempo de sono em camundongos albinos pelo pentobarbital sódico. A avaliação fitoquímica preliminar e os estudos de toxicidade aguda foram realizados e a DL50 >2000 mg/kg é considerada não tóxica, por meio da exposição aguda, por via oral, em ratos. O extrato metanólico de folha (50,100 e 200 mg/kg i. p.) produziu redução da atividade motora espontânea, da coordenação motora e tempo prolongado de sono pelo pentobarbital sódico. Estudos químicos qualitativos preliminares indicaram a presença de esteróide, saponinas, terpenóides, glicosídios, taninos, flavonóides e fenólicos no extrato. As observações sugerem que a folha de Pandanus odoratissimus contém alguns princípios ativos com atividade potencial como depressores do SNC.

Neuroética: uma reflexão metodológica / Neuroética: una reflexión metodológica / Neuroethics: a methodological reflection

O artigo introduz uma reflexão pessoal sobre a neuroética, descrevendo algumas das tecnologias que ensejaram o surgimento da disciplina, voltadas ao mapeamento e estimulação cerebral. Relaciona as atuais possibilidades de uso dessas tecnologias e os principais desafios éticos, legais e sociais a elas relacionados. Apresenta a seguir as principais definições de neuroética na profícua literatura deste campo em construção, apontando os tópicos centrais das principais discussões, que se ocupam dos avanços tecnológicos e dos desafios éticos deles decorrentes.

Este artículo introduce una revisión sobre la neuroética, describiendo algunas de las tecnologías que ocasionaron el surgimiento de la disciplina, centradas en el mapeado y la estimulación cerebral. Relaciona las actuales posibilidades de uso de esas tecnologías y los principales desafíos éticos, legales y sociales a ella relacionados. También presenta las principales definiciones de Neuroética encontradas en la literatura de este campo en construcción y resalta los tópicos centrales de las principales discusiones, que se ocupan de los avances tecnológicos y de los desafíos éticos de ellas derivados.

This article introduces a personal reflection on neuroethics by describing some of the technologies that led to emerging of the topic, targeted to brain stimulation and mapping. It relates the current possibilities of using these technologies and the main ethical, legal, and social challenges connected to them. Next, it presents the main definitions of neuroethics in the fruitful literature in this , which is still under construction, pointing out the central topics of the main discussions, dealing with technological advances and deriving ethical challenges.

Evaluation of Centella asiatica for its neuropharmacology

To determine the effect of Centella Asiatica on Neuro pharmacological activities as memory, behavior [anxiety, depression]. Experimental Study. This study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi from 15[th] March 2011 to 30[th] April, 2011. Albino mice and albino rats were used. Animals were divided into control and treated groups [10 animals each]. Neuro pharmacological parameters were assessed using standard techniques as Stationary rod activity, Swimming induced depression [FST], Open field, Light and dark box test and water maze model. Control group was maintained on distilled water and treated group was fed with 8.3 mg/kg Centella asiatica for 10 days. Observations were taken on 1[st], 5[th] and 10[th] days. The results showed decline in the elapsed time taken by animal to reach the platform in Stationary rod and water maze model, significantly enhanced struggling time in FST, decreased number of peripheral square crosses but relatively increased central square crosses on 10[th] day in open field test and increased time spent in light box in Light and dark box mode. It can be concluded that Centella asiatica enhances memory and show antidepressant activity on acute administration while chronic use results in anxiolytic behavior

Aprimoramento cognitivo farmacológico: grupos focais com universitários / Pharmacological cognitive enhancement: focal groups with university students

O presente trabalho analisou como os estudantes universitários avaliam o uso de psicofármacos por pessoas que pretendem melhorar o rendimento cognitivo sem apresentar prejuízo nessa habilidade mental. Esse tipo de remédio só pode ser comercializado através de receita médica especial. Dessa forma, o uso não-médico desse tipo de droga, chamado também de aprimoramento neurocognitivo farmacológico, é ilegal. Com o crescimento no número de estudantes universitários americanos e canadenses que utilizam estimulantes para melhorar a performance acadêmica, o tema tornou-se uma preocupação para a Saúde Pública nos respectivos países. O aprimoramento neurocognitivo farmacológico vem sendo muito discutido no campo da Neuroética. Nos debates dessa a prática são avaliados os riscos e benefícios que essa prática pode trazer para o indivíduo e à sociedade. No Brasil, esse assunto é pouco discutido. Assim, a investigação sobre a compreensão e avaliação que estudantes universitários fazem sobre esse tema trouxe informações que podem ampliar o conhecimento sobre tema no Brasil. A investigação foi realizada através de três grupos focais com estudantes universitários. Os resultados indicaram que questões como pressão social(exigência de bons resultados), segurança do medicamento, risco de coerção social, possibilidade de essa prática aumentar a injustiça social foram as principais preocupações da população entrevistada. Alguns aspectos foram compreendidos de maneira bastantes polarizada. Não está claro para os participantes dos grupos focais, por exemplo, se esta é ou não uma prática desonesta e se a melhora no rendimento cognitivo pode ser entendida como sendo legítima da pessoa. Esses e outros dados mostram que a compreensão do tema aprimoramento neurocognitivo farmacológico é muito influenciada por dois aspectos...

Efecto del veneno del escorpión Tityus discrepans sobre las pruebas globales de la coagulación: estudios preliminares / Effect of Tityus discrepans scorpion venom on global coagulation test: preliminary studies

El veneno del escorpión Tityus discrepans (Td) altera los tiempos de coagulación en humanos. En este trabajo se estudió el efecto in vitro de este veneno sobre el tiempo de tromboplastina parcial (TTP), el tiempo de protrombina (TP) y su actividad coagulante directa, utilizando como substrato plasma humano fresco y/o fibrinógeno purificado. El veneno completo (VC) fue fraccionado con una columna de exclusión molecular Protein Pak 125™ (0,5 mL/min, CH3COONH4 20 mM, pH 4,7). Seis fracciones (F1 a F6) eluyeron con tiempos de retención entre 12,8 y 31 minutos. El VC (78-625 µg/mL) y la fracción F1 (10-42,5 µg/mL), acortaron el TTP; el VC (700-1000 µg/mL) y la fracción F6 (16,5-700 µg/mL), alargaron esta prueba. El VC (40-240 µg/mL) y la fracción F2 (5-40 µg/mL), prolongaron el TP. No se detectó actividad coagulante parecida a trombina sobre plasma humano o fibrinógeno purificado. Estos resultados evidencian que en el veneno de Td existen componentes con acción procoagulante, que acortan el TTP. Además, presenta componentes anticoagulantes que inducen un alargamiento del TP y TTP.