RESUMO
Specimens belonging to two fish species genus Rhamdia were cytogenetically analysed from seven localities in Brazil and Argentina. In addition to the 58 chromosomes of the basic karyotype, one to five metacentric B chromosomes were observed carrying conspicuous heterochromatic blocks on the distal regions of both chromosome arms. These B chromosomes are mitotically stable and, in the two best-sampled populations in R. hilarii (Lobo and 29 reservoirs), they showed frequency distributions fitting a binomial distribution, though Bs were more frequent in the latter. The presence of B chromosomes with the same appearance in R. quelen suggests an ancient origin for these B chromosomes, presumably prior to speciation from a common ancestor.
Assuntos
Cromossomos , Peixes/genética , Animais , Cariotipagem , Especificidade da EspécieRESUMO
It was recently reported that caffeine may reduce the clinical symptoms of asthma and may prevent the clinical manifestations of this disease. The effect of caffeine on histamine responsiveness is unknown. The effect of caffeine (5 mg/kg) and placebo on histamine responsiveness (the provocation concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1, PC20) was studied in 10 subjects with mild asthma (prechallenge FEV1 84% of predicted value). The PC20 for histamine bronchoprovocation after caffeine ingestion was 2.65 (95% confidence limits 0.99, 7.10) mg/ml. After placebo the PC20 was 1.89 (0.96, 3.71) mg/ml. It is concluded that caffeine in a dose equivalent to about three cups of coffee has a very small effect, if any, on histamine bronchoprovocation in those with mild asthma. Specific instructions about not having drinks containing caffeine before histamine challenge are therefore not necessary.
