Disorders on cardiovascular parameters in rats and in human blood cells caused by Lachesis acrochorda snake venom.

In Colombia, Lachesis acrochorda causes 2-3% of all snake envenomations. The accidents promote a high mortality rate (90%) due to blood and cardiovascular complications. Here, the effects of the snake venom of L. acrochorda (SVLa) were analyzed on human blood cells and on cardiovascular parameters of rats. SVLa induced blood coagulation, as measured by the prothrombin time test, but did not reduce the cell viability of neutrophils and platelets evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay and by the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme assay. In fact, SVLa increased the absorbance in tests made with platelets subjected to the MTT assay. SVLa induced platelet aggregation whose magnitude was comparable to that of the positive control adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and occurred earlier with increasing SVLa concentration. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) or clopidogrel (an ADP receptor blocker) inhibited the aggregating effect of SVLa. Inhibition of SVLa-elicited platelet aggregation also resulted from the treatment with disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na2-EDTA; metalloproteinase inhibitor) and with 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF, serine protease inhibitor). In isolated right atrium of rats, SVLa increased slightly, but significantly, the magnitude of the spontaneous contractions and, in isolated rat aorta, SVLa relaxed KCl- or phenylephrine-induced contractions. In vivo, SVLa induced hypotension and bradycardia in rats, with detection of hemorrhage in pulmonary and renal tissues. Altogether, under experimental conditions, SVLa induced blood coagulation, platelet aggregation, hypotension and bradycardia. Part of the effects presented here may be explained by the presence of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs), constituents of SVLa.

Impairment of rat oesophageal muscle contractility associated with experimental non-erosive oesophageal mucosal damage.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Is the responsiveness of isolated segments of the rat oesophagus to contractile or relaxant stimuli susceptible to acute luminal exposure of the oesophagus to an acid solution that contains pepsin and bile salt? What is the main finding and its importance? The study reveals that luminal acidity is an important factor that disrupts barrier function in the oesophagus to allow the diffusion of noxious agents, such as bile acid, that alter the contractile status of the oesophageal body, even in the absence of inflammation. ABSTRACT: We investigated whether the experimental simulation of duodenogastro-oesophageal reflux alters the contractile responsiveness of rat oesophageal strips. After 30 min of luminal exposure to a solution at acid pH that contained pepsin and taurodeoxycholic acid, isolated strips of the rat oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction were subjected to contractile or relaxing stimuli. Acid challenge decreased the responsiveness of oesophageal strips to contractile stimulation, especially in oesophageal preparations that were mounted following the circular orientation of the muscularis externa layer. The contractility of longitudinal preparations of the rat oesophagus appeared less susceptible to the deleterious effects of acid challenge. In contrast, the responsiveness of ring-like preparations from the gastro-oesophageal junction to contractile stimulation was unaltered by acid challenge. Taurodeoxycholic acid decreased the responsiveness of circular oesophageal preparations to KCl, an effect that was exacerbated by luminal acidity. On the contrary, although the relaxant ability of the rat oesophagus did not change, acid challenge increased the relaxant efficacy of sodium nitroprusside and isoprenaline in strips of the gastro-oesophageal junction. A significant decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance was seen when the oesophageal mucosa was challenged at pH 1 but not at pH 4. Treatment with alginate blunted the deleterious effects of acid challenge on transepithelial electrical resistance and the responsiveness of oesophageal preparations to KCl. The present findings support the notion that luminal acidity is an important factor that disrupts barrier function in the oesophagus to allow the diffusion of noxious agents, such as bile acid, that alter the contractile status of the oesophagus.

Helping students to understand physiological aspects of regional distribution of ventilation in humans: a experience from the electrical impedance tomography.

Undergraduate biomedical students often have difficulties in understanding basic concepts of respiratory physiology, particularly respiratory mechanics. In this study, we report the use of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to improve and consolidate the knowledge about physiological aspects of normal regional distribution of ventilation in humans. Initially, we assessed the previous knowledge of a group of medical students ( n = 39) about regional differences in lung ventilation. Thereafter, we recorded the regional distribution of ventilation through surface electrodes on a healthy volunteer adopting four different decubitus positions: supine, prone, and right and left lateral. The recordings clearly showed greater pulmonary ventilation in the dependent lung, mainly in the lateral decubitus. Considering the differences in pulmonary ventilation between right and left lateral decubitus, only 33% of students were able to notice it correctly beforehand. This percentage increased to 84 and 100%, respectively ( P < 0.01), after the results of the ventilation measurements obtained with EIT were examined and discussed. A self-assessment questionnaire showed that students considered the practical activity as an important tool to assist in the understanding of the basic concepts of respiratory mechanics. Experimental demonstration of the physiological variations of regional lung ventilation in volunteers by using EIT is feasible, effective, and stimulating for undergraduate medical students. Therefore, this practical activity may help faculty and students to overcome the challenges in the field of respiratory physiology learning.

The participation of the nitrergic pathway in increased rate of transitory relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter induced by rectal distension in dogs.

CONTEXT: The rectal distension in dogs increases the rate of transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation considered the main factor causing gastroesophageal reflux. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was evaluate the participation of the nitrergic pathway in the increased transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation rate induced by rectal distension in anesthetized dogs. METHODS: Male mongrel dogs (n = 21), weighing 10-15 kg, were fasted for 12 hours, with water ad libitum. Thereafter, they were anesthetized (ketamine 10 mg.Kg-1 + xylazine 20 mg.Kg-1), so as to carry out the esophageal motility evaluation protocol during 120 min. After a 30-minute basal period, the animals were randomly intravenous treated whith: saline solution 0.15M (1ml.Kg-1), L-NAME (3 mg.Kg-1), L-NAME (3 mg.Kg-1) + L-Arginine (200 mg.Kg-1), glibenclamide (1 mg.Kg-1) or methylene blue (3 mg.Kg-1). Forty-five min after these pre-treatments, the rectum was distended (rectal distension, 5 mL.Kg-1) or not (control) with a latex balloon, with changes in the esophageal motility recorded over 45 min. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Student Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: In comparison to the respective control group, rectal distension induces an increase in transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Pre-treatment with L-NAME or methylene blue prevents (P<0.05) this phenomenon, which is reversible by L-Arginine plus L-NAME. However, pretreating with glibenclamide failed to abolish this process. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, these experiments suggested, that rectal distension increases transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in dogs via through nitrergic pathways.

The participatinn of the nitrergic pathway in icreased rate of transitory relaaxation of lower esophageal sphincter induced by rectal distension in dogs / A participação da via nitrérgica no aumento da taxa de relaxamento transitório do esfíncter esofágico inferior induzida pela distensão retal em cães

Context The rectal distension in dogs increases the rate of transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation considered the main factor causing gastroesophageal reflux. Objectives The aim of this study was evaluate the participation of the nitrergic pathway in the increased transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation rate induced by rectal distension in anesthetized dogs. Methods Male mongrel dogs (n = 21), weighing 10-15 kg, were fasted for 12 hours, with water ad libitum. Thereafter, they were anesthetized (ketamine 10 mg.Kg-1 + xylazine 20 mg.Kg-1), so as to carry out the esophageal motility evaluation protocol during 120 min. After a 30-minute basal period, the animals were randomly intravenous treated whith: saline solution 0.15M (1ml.Kg-1), L-NAME (3 mg.Kg-1), L-NAME (3 mg.Kg-1) + L-Arginine (200 mg.Kg-1), glibenclamide (1 mg.Kg-1) or methylene blue (3 mg.Kg-1). Forty-five min after these pre-treatments, the rectum was distended (rectal distension, 5 mL.Kg-1) or not (control) with a latex balloon, with changes in the esophageal motility recorded over 45 min. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Student Newman-Keuls test. Results In comparison to the respective control group, rectal distension induces an increase in transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Pre-treatment with L-NAME or methylene blue prevents (P<0.05) this phenomenon, which is reversible by L-Arginine plus L-NAME. However, pretreating with glibenclamide failed to abolish this process. Conclusions Therefore, these experiments suggested, that rectal distension increases transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in dogs via through nitrergic pathways. .

Contexto A distensão retal aumenta a taxa de relaxamento transitório do esfíncter esofágico inferior em cães, sendo o relaxamento transitório do esfíncter esofágico inferior considerado o principal fator responsável pelo refluxo gastroesofágico. Objetivos Avaliar a participação da via nitrérgica no aumento da taxa relaxamento transitório do esfíncter esofágico inferior induzida por distensão retal em cães anestesiados. Métodos Cães sem raça definida, machos (n = 21), pesando entre 10-15 kg, foram mantidos em jejum durante 12 horas, no entanto, com água ad libitum. Depois disso, eles foram anestesiados (cetamina 10 mg.Kg-1 + xilazina 20 mg.Kg-1), para a realização do protocolo de avaliação da motilidade esofágica durante 120 minutos. Após um período basal de 30 minutos, os animais foram aleatoriamente tratados intravenosa com: solução salina 0,15 (1 ml.Kg-1), L-NAME (3 mg.Kg-1), L-NAME (3 mg.Kg-1) + L-arginina (200 mg.Kg-1), glibenclamida (1 mg.Kg-1) e azul de metileno (3 mg.Kg-1). Quarenta e cinco minutos após os pré-tratamentos, o reto foi distendido com um balão de látex (DR, 5 mg.Kg-1) ou não (grupo controle), e as variações da motilidade esofágica foram registradas e gravadas ao longo dos 45 minutos seguintes. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se ANOVA seguido pelo teste de Student Newman-Keuls. Resultados Em comparação com o respectivo grupo controle, a distensão retal demonstrou induzir um aumento na taxa de relaxamento transitório do esfíncter esofágico inferior. O pré-tratamento com L -NAME ou azul de metileno impediu (P<0,05) este fenômeno, que foi reversível após a administração de L-Arginina + L-NAME. No entanto, o pré-tratamento com a glibenclamida não ...

Preconditioning with a novel metallopharmaceutical NO donor in anesthetized rats subjected to brain ischemia/reperfusion.

Rut-bpy is a novel nitrosyl-ruthenium complex releasing NO into the vascular system. We evaluated the effect of Rut-bpy (100 mg/kg) on a rat model of brain stroke. Forty rats were assigned to four groups (Saline solution [SS], Rut-bpy, SS+ischemia-reperfusion [SS+I/R] and Rut-bpy+ischemia-reperfusion [Rut-bpy+I/R]) with their mean arterial pressure (MAP) continuously monitored. The groups were submitted (SS+I/R and Rut-bpy+I/R) or not (SS and Rut-bpy) to incomplete global brain ischemia by occlusion of the common bilateral carotid arteries during 30 min followed by reperfusion for further 60 min. Thirty minutes before ischemia, rats were treated pairwise by intraperitoneal injection of saline solution or Rut-bpy. At the end of experiments, brain was removed for triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining in order to quantify the total ischemic area. In a subset of rats, hippocampus was obtained for histopathology scoring, nitrate and nitrite measurements, immunostaining and western blotting of the nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB). Rut-bpy pre-treatment decreased MAP variations during the transition from brain ischemia to reperfusion and decreased the fractional injury area. Rut-bpy pre-treatment reduced NF-κB hippocampal immunostaining and protein expression with improved histopathology scoring as compared to the untreated operated control. In conclusion, Rut-bpy improved the total brain infarction area and hippocampal neuronal viability in part by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and helped to stabilize the blood pressure during the transition from ischemia to reperfusion.

Effects of Rut-bpy (Cis-[Ru(bpy)2(SO3)(NO)]PF 6), a novel nitric oxide donor, in L-NAME-induced hypertension in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Rut-bpy (Cis-[Ru(bpy)2(SO3)(NO)]PF 6), a novel nitric oxide donor in Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6), named according to the treatment applied (G1-Saline, G2-Rut-bpy, G3-L-NAME and G4-L-NAME+Rut-bpy). L-NAME (30 mg/Kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the administration of Rut-bpy (100 mg/Kg). Mean abdominal aorta arterial blood pressure (MAP) was continuously monitored. RESULTS: Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in G3 rats rose progressively, reaching 147±16 mmHg compared with 100±19 mm Hg in G1 rats (p<0.05). In G4 rats, treated with L-NAME+Rut-bpy, MAP reached 149+11 mm Hg while in G2 rats, treated with Rut-bpy, MAP values were 106±11 mm Hg. In G1 rats these values decreased progressively reaching 87+14 mm Hg after 30 minutes. An important finding was the maintenance of the MAP throughout the experiment in G2 rats. CONCLUSION: Rut-bpy does not decrease the MAP in L-Name induced hypertensive rats. However, when it is used in anesthetized hypotensive rats a stable blood pressure is obtained.

Repeated cisplatin treatments inhibit gastrointestinal motility and induces baroreflex changes and mechanical hyperalgesia in rats.

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy agent known for its neurotoxicity. We evaluated the effect of cisplatin on the gastric emptying (GE), gastrointestinal (GI) transit of liquid, baroreflex function, thermal, and mechanical withdrawal latencies in rats. Cisplatin increased the GE of liquid with doses ≥ 2 mg.kg(-1) by 59.7-77.4%. This GE delay was not present two weeks after the treatment with five doses of cisplatin at 1 mg.kg(-1). Cisplatin also enhanced baroreflex gain possibly by increasing sympathetic activity. Our results demonstrated that cisplatin (2-10 mg.kg(-1)) causes autonomic neuropathy with GI and baroreflex changes and mechanical but not thermal hyperalgesia in rats.

Effects of Rut-bpy (Cis-[Ru(bpy)2(SO3)(NO)]PF 6), a novel nitric oxide donor, in L-NAME-induced hypertension in rats / Efeitos do Rut-bpy (Cis-[Ru(bpy)2(SO3)(NO)]PF 6), um novo doador de óxido nítrico, na hipertensão induzida com L-NAME em ratos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Rut-bpy (Cis-[Ru(bpy)2(SO3)(NO)]PF 6), a novel nitric oxide donor in Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6), named according to the treatment applied (G1-Saline, G2-Rut-bpy, G3-L-NAME and G4-L-NAME+Rut-bpy). L-NAME (30 mg/Kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the administration of Rut-bpy (100 mg/Kg). Mean abdominal aorta arterial blood pressure (MAP) was continuously monitored. RESULTS: Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in G3 rats rose progressively, reaching 147±16 mmHg compared with 100±19 mm Hg in G1 rats (p<0.05). In G4 rats, treated with L-NAME+Rut-bpy, MAP reached 149+11 mm Hg while in G2 rats, treated with Rut-bpy, MAP values were 106±11 mm Hg. In G1 rats these values decreased progressively reaching 87+14 mm Hg after 30 minutes. An important finding was the maintenance of the MAP throughout the experiment in G2 rats. CONCLUSION: Rut-bpy does not decrease the MAP in L-Name induced hypertensive rats. However, when it is used in anesthetized hypotensive rats a stable blood pressure is obtained.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeitos do Rut-bpy (Cis-[Ru (bpy)2(SO3)(NO)] PF6), um novo doador de óxido nítrico, em ratos hipertensos induzidos pelo éster metílico de N-nitro-L-arginina (L-NAME). MÉTODOS: Vinte e quatro ratos Wistar machos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos (n = 6), nomeados de acordo com o tratamento aplicado (G1-Salina, G2-Rut-bpy, G3-L-NAME e G4-L-NAME+Rut -bpy). L-NAME (30 mg / Kg) foi injetado por via intraperitoneal 30 minutos antes da administração de Rut-bpy (100 mg / kg). A pressão arterial média (PAM) da aorta abdominal foi monitorada continuamente. RESULTADOS: A pressão arterial média (PAM) em ratos do grupo G3 subiu progressivamente, chegando a 147 ±16 mm Hg, em comparação com 100 ±19 mm Hg em ratos do G1 (p <0,05). Em ratos G4, tratados com L-NAME + Rut-bpy, a PAM atingiu 149±11 milímetros de Hg, enquanto no G2 (ratos tratados com Rut bpy) os valores da PAM foram 106 ±11 mm Hg. No G1 esses valores decresceram progressivamente, atingindo 87±14 mm Hg após 30 minutos. Um achado importante foi a manutenção da PAM durante todo o experimento em ratos do grupo G2. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de Rut bpy não diminui a PAM em ratos hipertensos por L-NAME. No entanto, quando ele é usado em ratos anestesiados, hipotensos, uma pressão arterial estável é obtida.

1.8 cineole decreases gastric compliance in anesthetized rats.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of 1,8 cineole components of the essential oil of Croton nepetaefolius--plant of North-East of Brasil, used in the popular medicine for riots of the gastrointestinal tract--on the motor behavior of the gut of Wistar rats. METHODS: Used 16 male animals under jejun of 24h weighing 300-350 g. The effect of 1.8 cineole (1 or 3mg/Kg) on gastric compliance had been lead in anaesthetized rats. The variations of the gastric volume (GV), had been measured by plethysmography, while AP, HR and CVP had been monitored continuously by a digital system of data acquisition. RESULTS: Observe reduction of the GV, which was significant on 30, 40, 50 and 60 min after treatment (2.0 +/- 0.1; 1.9 +/- 0.1; 1.8 +/- 0.1 and 1.7 +/- 0.1mL, versus 2.1 +/- 0.2mL). The AP presented significant fall after the administration of 1.8 cineole, remaining thus during 60min of monitorization (87.9 +/- 7.7; 87.6 +/- 7.1; 87.9 +/- 6.4; 87.8 +/- 5.7; 86.0 +/- 5.5 and 87.7 +/- 6.0mmHg, respectively versus 94.4 +/- 6.2 mmHg), as well as the HR (366.3 +/- 13.4; 361.7 +/- 11.5; 357.3 +/- 10.4; 353.0 +/- 10.4; 348.3 +/- 11.1 and 350.4 +/- 13.7bpm, respectively versus 395.2 +/- 11.1bpm). The CVP did not suffer significant variations after treatment. CONCLUSION: Observe the 1.8 cineole reduces the gastric compliance in anaesthetized rats besides presenting effect hypotensor and bradycardia; probably for direct action on the gastrointestinal and vascular smooth muscle and moduling the autonomic nervous system.

1.8 cineole decreases gastric compliance in anesthetized rats

PURPOSE: To study the effect of 1,8 cineoleee components of the essencial oil of Croton nepetaefolius - plant of North-East of Brasil, used in the popular medicine for riots of the gastrointestinal tract - on the motor behavior of the gut of Wistar rats. METHODS: Used 16 male animals under jejun of 24h weighing 300-350g. The effect of 1.8 cineoleee (1 or 3mg/Kg) on gastric compliance had been lead in anaesthetized rats. The variations of the gastric volume (GV), had been measured by plethysmography, while AP, HR and CVP had been monitored continuously by a digital system of data acquisition. RESULTS: Observe reduction of the GV, which was significant on 30, 40, 50 and 60min after treatment (2.0±0.1; 1.9±0.1; 1.8±0.1 and 1.7±0.1mL, versus 2.1±0.2mL). The AP presented significant fall after the administration of 1.8 cineoleee, remaining thus during 60min of monitorization (87.9±7.7; 87.6±7.1; 87.9±6.4; 87.8±5.7; 86.0±5.5 and 87.7±6.0mmHg, respectively versus 94.4±6.2 mmHg), as well as the HR (366.3±13.4; 361.7±11.5; 357.3±10.4; 353.0±10.4; 348.3±11.1 and 350.4±13.7bpm, respectively versus 395.2±11.1bpm). The CVP did not suffer significant variations after treatment. CONCLUSION: Observe the 1.8 cineoleee reduces the gastric compliance in anaesthetized rats besides presenting effect hipotensor and bradicardic; probably for direct action on the gastrointestinal and vascular smooth muscel and moduling the autonomic nervous system.

OBJETIVO: Estudar o efeito do 1.8 cineol, componente do Cróton nepetaefolius (planta do Nordeste) comumente usada na medicina popular para distúrbios do trato gastrintestinal (TGI), sobre o comportamento motor do TGI de ratos Wistar anestesiados. MÉTODOS: Utilizamos 16 animais machos, pesando entre 300 a 350g. Os estudos de complacência gástrica foram conduzidos em animais sob jejum de 24h. As variações do volume gástrico (VG), foram medidas por pletismografia, enquanto a PA, FC e PVC foram monitoradas continuamente por um sistema digital de aquisição de dados. RESULTADOS: Observamos diminuição do VG, o qual foi significativo aos 30, 40, 50 e 60min após o tratamento com 1.8 cineol quando comparado ao perído basal (2,0±0,1; 1,9±0,1; 1,8±0,1 e 1,7±0,1mL, vs 2,1±0,2mL). A PA apresentou queda significativa após a administração de 1.8 cineol, mantendo-se assim durante os 60min de monitoração (87,9±7,7; 87,6±7,1; 87,9±6,4; 87,8±5,7; 86,0±5,5 e 87,7±6,0mmHg, respectivamente vs 94,4±6,2; mmHg), bem como a FC (366,3±13,4; 361,7±11,5; 357,3±10,4; 353,0±10,4; 348,3±11,1 e 350,4±13,7bpm respectivamente vs 395,2±11,1bpm). Já a PVC não sofreu variações significativas durante após o tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: O 1.8 cineol diminui a complacência gástrica em ratos anestesiados além de apresentar efeitos hipotensor e bradicárdico; provavelmente por ação direta sobre a musculatura lisa gastrintestinal e vascular e modulação do sistema nervoso autônomo.