Cardiovascular responses produced by central injection of hydrogen peroxide in conscious rats

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to modulate neuronal synaptic transmission and may play a role on the autonomic control of the cardiovascular system. In this study we investigated the effects produced by hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2) injected alone or combined with the anti-oxidant agent N-acetil-l-cysteine (NAC) or catalase into the fourth brain ventricle (4th V) on mean arterial pressure and heart rate of conscious rats. Moreover the involvement of the autonomic nervous system on the cardiovascular responses to H 2O 2 into the 4th V was also investigated. Male Holtzman rats (280-320 g) with a stainless steel cannula implanted into the 4th V and polyethylene cannulas inserted into the femoral artery and vein were used. Injections of H 2O 2 (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 μmol/0.2 μL, n = 6) into the 4th V produced transient (for 10 min) dose-dependent pressor responses. The 1.0 and 1.5 μmol doses of H 2O 2 also produced a long lasting bradycardia (at least 24 h with the high dose of H 2O 2). Prior injection of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (250 nmol/1 μL/rat) into the 4th V blockade the pressor response and attenuated the bradycardic response to H 2O 2 (1 μmol/0.5 μL/rat, n = 7) into the 4th V. Intravenous (i.v.) atropine methyl bromide (1.0 mg/kg, n = 11) abolished the bradycardia but did not affect the pressor response to H 2O 2. Prazosin hydrochloride (1.0 mg/kg, n = 6) i.v. abolished the pressor response but did not affect the bradycardia. The increase in the catalase activity (500 UEA/1 μL/rat injected into the 4th V) also abolished both, pressor and bradycardic responses to H 2O 2. The results suggest that increased ROS availability into 4th V simultaneously activate sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow inducing pressor and bradycardic responses. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Slurry sample injection for determination of ferrite nanocolloids chemical composition by ICP spectrometry

This work proposes a new method to determine the chemical composition of magnetic ferrite nanoparticles by the slurry injection technique using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. In this way, experimental conditions such as aerosol gas flow rate and colloidal stability were optimized in order to use aqueous calibration curves in the slurry nebulization and to determine the chemical composition of a series of sols containing chemically synthesized size-tailored NiFe 2O 4 nanograms. Then, the results of direct sampling and those of conventional aqueous introduction analysis are compared, showing the efficiency of the proposed method.

Direct and simultaneous determination of As, Cu, and Pb in Brazilian sugar cane spirits by graphite furnace AAS using tungsten permanent modifier with co-injection of Pd/Mg(N03)2

A method was developed using the multi-element graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry technique for the direct and simultaneous determination of As, Cu, and Pb in Brazilian sugar cane spirit (cachaça) samples. Also employed was the end-capped transversely heated graphite atomizer (THGA) with platforms pre-treated with W permanent modifier and co-injection of Pd/Mg(N03)2. Pyrolysis and atomization temperature curves were established in a cachaça medium (1+1; v/v) containing 0.2% (v/v) HN03 and spiked with 20 μg L-1 As and Pb and 200 μg L-1Cu. The effect of the concentration of major elements usually present in cachaça matrices (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) and ethanol on the absorbance of As, Cu, and Pb was investigated. Analytical working solutions of As, Cu, and Pb were prepared in 10% (v/v) ethanol plus 5.0 mg L-1 Ca, Mg, Na, and K. Acidified to 0.2% (v/v) HNO3, these solutions were suitable to build calibration curves by matrix matching. The proposed method was applied to the simultaneous determination of As, Cu, and Pb in commercial sugar cane spirits. The characteristic mass for the simultaneous determination was 16 pg As, 119 pg Cu, and 28 pg Pb. The pretreated tube lifetime was about 450 firings. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.6 μg L-1As, 9.2 μg L-1 Cu, and 0.3 μg L-1Pb. The found concentrations varied from 0.81 to 4.28 μg L-1As, 0.28 to 382 mg L-1 Cu and 0.82 to 518 μg L-1 Pb. The recoveries of the spiked samples varied from 94-112% (As), 97-111% (Cu), and 95-101% (Pb). The relative standard deviation (n=12) was 6.9%, 7.4%, and 7.7% for As, Cu, and Pb, respectively, present in a sample at 0.87 μgL-1, 0.81 mgL-1, and 38.9 μgL-1concentrations.

Dietary restriction abrogates antibody production induced by a DNA vaccine encoding the mycobacterial 65 kDa heat shock protein

Background: Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) is the most common type of malnutrition. PCM leads to immunodeficiency and consequent increased susceptibility to infectious agents. In addition, responses to prophylactic vaccines depend on nutritional status. This study aims to evaluate the ability of undernourished mice to mount an immune response to a genetic vaccine (pVAXhsp65) against tuberculosis, containing the gene coding for the heat shock protein 65 from mycobacteria. Methods: Young adult female BALB/c mice were fed ad libitum or with 80% of the amount of food consumed by a normal diet group. We initially characterized a mice model of dietary restriction by determining body and spleen weights, hematological parameters and histopathological changes in lymphoid organs. The ability of splenic cells to produce IFN-gamma and IL-4 upon in vitro stimulation with LPS or S. aureus and the serum titer of specific IgG1 and IgG2a anti-hsp65 antibodies after intramuscular immunization with pVAXhsp65 was then tested. Results: Dietary restriction significantly decreased body and spleen weights and also the total lymphocyte count in blood. This restriction also determined a striking atrophy in lymphoid organs as spleen, thymus and lymphoid tissue associated with the small intestine. Specific antibodies were not detected in mice submitted to dietary restriction whereas the well nourished animals produced significant levels of both, IgG1 and IgG2a anti-hsp65. Conclusion: 20% restriction in food intake deeply compromised humoral immunity induced by a genetic vaccine, alerting, therefore, for the relevance of the nutritional condition in vaccination programs based on these kinds of constructs. © 2009 Ishikawa et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Monoclonal Antibody Production and Immunolocalization of a Salinity Stress-Related Protein in Rice (Oryza sativa)

Among various physiological responses to salt stress, the synthesis of a lectin-related protein of 14.5 kDa was observed in rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) under the treatment of 170 mmol/L NaCl. In order to better understand the role of the SALT protein in the physiological processes involving salinity, it was immunolocalized in mesophilic cells of leaf sheath and blade of a rice variety IAC-4440 following monoclonal antibodies produced by hybridome culture technique. This variety turned out to be an excellent model for that purpose, since it accumulates SALT protein even in absence of salt treatment and it has been classified as moderately sensitive to salinity and a superior grain producer. This feature was relevant for this work since it allowed the use of plants without the deleterious effects caused by salinity. Immunocytochemistry assays revealed that the SALT protein is located in the stroma of chloroplasts under non-stressing condition. Since the chloroplast is the main target affected by salinity and considering that the SALT protein does not present any apparent signal peptide for organelle localization, its lectin-like activity seems to play an important role in the establishment of stable complexes, either to other proteins or to oligosaccharides that are translocated to the chloroplast. © 2011 China National Rice Research Institute.

Acute antibody-mediated rejection of renal transplant associated with cellular crescents: First case report

Acute antibody-mediated rejection is characterized by histological abnormalities such as glomerulitis, capillaritis, or thrombosis associated with presence of C4d and specific anti-donor antibodies. Reports on the association of glomerular injuries with cellular crescents in antibody-mediated rejection are not found in the literature. We report a unique case of antibody-mediated rejection associated with cellular crescents and suggest that such histological abnormality should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute antibody-mediated rejection. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.

Rumen microbial diversity under influence of a polyclonal antibody preparation against lactate-producing and proteolytic bacteria in cows fed different energy sources

Nine ruminally cannulated cows fed different energy sources were used to evaluate an avianderived polyclonal antibody preparation against specific ruminal bacteria and monensin on microbial community diversity. The experimental design was three Latin squares 3 x 3 distinguished by the main energy source in the diet [dry-ground corn grain, high moisture corn silage or citrus pulp]. Inside each Latin square, animals received one of the feed additives per period [control, monensin or polyclonal antibody preparation]. Each period lasted 21 days where 20 were used for treatments adaptation and the last one for sampling collection. Microbial diversity was evaluated by protozoa counts and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Polyclonal antibodies plus citrus pulp (CiPu) addition in the diet resulted in an increase of relative counting of Isotricha protozoa that indicates a possible effect on this ruminal ciliate population. In general lines, in the present experiment, it was not possible to assign that there was a pattern in the structures of amplification of Bacteria and Archaea communities of the ruminal content. Oral passive immunization is a technology that arises as an effective alternative for feed additive production. Further research is still necessary to better understand its mechanisms of action.

Oral granuloma formation after injection of cosmetic filler

The increased use of orofacial fillers in cosmetic procedures has led to new diagnostic challenges for dentists and oral pathologists. Here, we describe a case with multiple oral foreign body granulomas, which were formed after a polymethylmetacrylate injection for cosmetic purposes. © 2011 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

Growth mechanism and photocatalytic properties of SrWO4 microcrystals synthesized by injection of ions into a hot aqueous solution

This paper reports our initial research to obtain SrWO4 microcrystals by the injection of ions into a hot aqueous solution and their photocatalytic (PC) properties. These microcrystals were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinements and Fourier transform (FT)-Raman spectroscopy. The shape and average size of these SrWO 4 microcrystals were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, we have investigated the PC activity of microcrystals for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) dyes. XRD patterns, Rietveld refinement data and FT-Raman spectroscopy confirmed that SrWO4 microcrystals have a scheelite-type tetragonal structure without deleterious phases. FT-Raman spectra exhibited 12 Raman-active modes in a range from 50 to 1000 cm-1. FE-SEM and TEM images suggested that the SrWO4 microcrystals (rice-like - 95%; star-, flower-, and urchin-like - 5%) were formed by means of primary/secondary nucleation events and self-assembly processes. Based on these FE-SEM/TEM images, a crystal growth mechanism was proposed and discussed in details in this work. Finally, a good PC activity was first discovered of the SrWO4 microcrystals for the degradation of RhB after 80 min and Rh6G after 50 min dyes under ultraviolet-light, respectively. © 2012 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder.

Intravenous Tramadol Injection has no Antinociceptive Effect in Horses Undergoing Electrical and Thermal Stimuli

Tramadol combines an μ opiate and nonopiate analgesic mechanism and might be a useful opioid in horses. This study evaluated the effect of IV tramadol on spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA), head height, and hoof withdrawal reflex (HWR) after thermal or electrical nociceptive stimuli in horses. Doses of 2 and 3 mg/kg tramadol did not affect HWR after electrical and thermal nociception, respectively. Head height and SLA were not modified by 2, 3, or 5 mg/kg tramadol. All horses treated with 5 mg/kg tramadol developed trembling in pectoral triceps, and gluteal muscles and adopted a base-wide stance. In conclusion, 2 and 3 mg/kg tramadol IV neither induced sedation nor prolonged HWR after thermal or electrical stimuli in conscious horses. The dose of 5 mg/kg tramadol IV produced excitement, and it is apparently unsuitable for clinical use. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of proanthocyanidins from Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) G. Don. (Fabaceae) by flow injection analysis - Electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

The present study investigates the chemical composition of the African plant Parkia biglobosa (Fabaceae) roots and barks by Liquid Chromatography - Electrospray Ionization and Direct Injection Tandem Mass Spectrometry analysis. Mass spectral data indicated that B-type oligomers are present, namely procyanidins and prodelphinidins, with their gallate and glucuronide derivatives, some of them in different isomeric forms. The analysis evidenced the presence of up to 40 proanthocyanidins, some of which are reported for the first time. In this study, the antiradical activity of extracts of roots and barks from Parkia biglobosa was evaluated using DPPH method and they showed satisfactory activities.

Humoral antibody immune response of newcastle disease vaccination in lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effects of bovine somatotropin injection on serum concentrations of progesterone in non-lactating dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of bovine somatotropin administration on serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, NEFA, IGF-I, and progesterone (P4) in ovariectomized non-lactating dairy cows receiving exogenous P4, as a model to estimate treatment effects on hepatic P4 degradation. Ten non-lactating, non-pregnant, and ovariectomized Gir×Holstein cows were assigned to the experiment (d -14 to 27). On d 0, cows were ranked by BW and BCS, and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: (1) bovine somatotropin (BST; n=5) or (2) saline control (control; n=5). Cows assigned to the BST treatment were administered s.c. injections containing 500. mg of sometribove zinc on d 0, 9, and 18 of the experiment, whereas control cows concurrently received a 10-mL s.c. injection of 0.9% saline. On d -2, cows were inserted with an intravaginal releasing device containing 1.9. g of P4, which remained in the cows until the end the experiment (d 27). Cow BW and BCS were assessed on d -14, 0, and 27. Blood samples were collected daily from d 0 to d 27, at 0 (immediately before), 1, and 2. h relative to concentrate feeding for determination of serum glucose, insulin, NEFA, P4, and IGF-I concentrations. Concentrations of glucose, NEFA, and insulin obtained prior to feeding (0. h) were used to determine pre-prandial revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI). No treatment effects were detected for BW (P=0.72) and BCS change (P=0.79) during the experiment. Beginning on d 2 of the experiment, BST cows had greater (P≤0.01) serum IGF-I concentrations compared with control cohorts (treatment×day interaction; P<0.01). Cows receiving BST had greater (P≤0.05) insulin concentrations compared with control cohorts from d 8 to d 11, d 16 and 17, as well as from d 19 to d 21 of the experiment (treatment×day interaction; P<0.01). Cows receiving BST had greater (P≤0.01) mean glucose and NEFA concentrations, as well as reduced (P<0.01) mean RQUICKI during the experiment compared with control cohorts. No treatment effects, however, were detected (P=0.73) for serum P4 concentrations. In conclusion, results from this experiment indicate that hepatic P4 catabolism is not directly regulated by circulating IGF-I, whereas BST administration decreases insulin sensitivity in non-lactating dairy cows in adequate nutritional status. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Periodontal disease reduces water and sodium intake induced by injection of muscimol into the lateral parabrachial nucleus

Objective: Gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor activation with muscimol in the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) induces water and 0.3 M NaCl intake. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a local inflammatory event, such as periodontal disease (PD), is able to alter the effects of muscimol on water and 0.3 M NaCl intake in fluid-replete rats and in rats treated with furosemide (FURO) combined with captopril (CAP) injected subcutaneously. Design: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: with PD and those without PD (control condition). Fifteen days after PD, both groups had cannulas implanted bilaterally into the LPBN. Results: In fluid-replete rats without PD, injections of muscimol (0.5 nmol/0.2 μl) into the LPBN induced 0.3 M NaCl and water intake and a pressor response. In fluid-replete rats with PD, a decrease was observed in water intake and pressor response but not in 0.3 M NaCl intake. In control rats with FURO + CAP treatment, injections of muscimol into the LPBN increased 0.3 M NaCl and water intake. In PD rats with FURO + CAP treatment, a decrease was observed in 0.3 M NaCl and water intake after muscimol in the LPBN. Alveolar bone loss and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plasmatic concentration were higher in PD rats in comparison with controls. Conclusion: These results suggest that PD is able to reduce the pressor response and the dipsogenic and natriorexigenic effects induced by the activation of GABAA receptors in the LPBN, probably due to the elevation of the plasmatic concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.