DIFFERENT EFFECTS ON RAT ARTERIAL-PRESSURE AND HEART-RATE WHEN LOSARTAN IS INJECTED INTO THE 3RD-VENTRICLE OR 4TH-VENTRICLE

Cardiovascular responses to central losartan (LOS), a non-peptide angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor antagonist, were investigated by comparing the effects of LOS injection into the 3rd and 4th cerebral ventricles (3rdV, 4thV) on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Adult male Holtzman rats were used (N = 6 animals per group). Average basal MAP and HR were 114 +/- 3 mmHg and 343 +/- 9 bpm (N = 23), respectively. LOS (50, 100 or 200 nmol/2 mu l) injected into the 3rdV induced presser (peak of 25 +/- 3 mmHg) and tachycardic (peak of 60 +/- 25 bpm) responses. LOS injected into the 4thV had no effect on MAP, but it induced bradycardia (peak of -35 +/- 15 bpm). KCl (200 nmol/2 mu l) injected into the 3rdV or into the 4thV had no effect on either MAP or HR compared to 0.9% saline injection. The results indicate that LOS injected into the third ventricle acts on forebrain structures to induce its presser and tachycardic effects and that bradycardia, likely dependent on hindbrain structures, is obtained when LOS is injected into the fourth ventricle.

Different effects on rat arterial pressure and heart rate when losartan is injected into the third or fourth ventricle

Cardiovascular responses to central losartan (LOS), a non-peptide angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor antagonist, were investigated by comparing the effects of LOS injection into the 3rd and 4th cerebral ventricles (3rdV, 4thV) on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Adult male Holtzman rats were used (N=6 animals per group). Average basal MAP and HR were 114±3 mmHg and 343±9 bpm (N=23), respectively. LOS (50, 100 or 200 nmol/2 μl) injected into the 3rdV induced pressor (peak of 25±3 mmHg) and tachycardic (peak of 60±25 bpm) responses. LOS injected into the 4thV had no effect on MAP, but it induced bradycardia (peak of -35±15 bpm). KCl (200 nmol/2 μl) injected into the 3rdV or into the 4thV had no effect on either MAP or HR compared to 0.9% saline injection. The results indicate that LOS injected into the third ventricle acts on forebrain structures to induce its pressor and tachycardic effects and that bradycardia, likely dependent on hindbrain structures, is obtained when LOS is injected into the fourth ventricle.

Estimates of direct and maternal genetic effects for weights from birth to 600 days of age in Nelore cattle

Estimates of direct and maternal variance and heritability for weights at each week (up to 280 days of age) and month of age (up to 600 days of age) in Zebu cattle are presented. More than one million records on 200 000 animals, weighed every 90 days from birth to 2 years of age, were available. Data were split according to week (data sets 1) or month (data sets 2) of age at recording, creating 54 and 21 data sets, respectively. The model of analysis included contemporary groups as fixed effects, and age of dam (linear and quadratic) and age of calf (linear) effects as covariables. Random effects fitted were additive direct and maternal genetic effects, and maternal permanent environmental effect. Direct heritability estimates decreased from 0.28 at birth, to 0.12-0.13 at about 150 days of age, stayed more or less constant at 0.14-0.16 until 270 days of age and increased with age after that, up to 0.25-0.26. Maternal heritability estimates increased from birth (0.01) to a peak of 0.14 for data sets 1 and 0.07-0.08 for data sets 2 at about 180-210 days of age, before decreasing slowly to 0.07 and 0.05, respectively, at 300 days, and then rapidly diminished after 300 days of age. Permanent environmental effects were 1.5 to four times higher than genetic maternal effects and showed a similar trend.

Farming technology, biochemistry characterization, and protective effects of culinary-medicinal mushrooms Agaricus brasiliensis S. Wasser et al. and Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Singer: Five years of research in Brazil

The biotechnology, biochemical characterization, and protective effects of the himematsutake and shiitake mushrooms were studied for the Thematic Project, from 1998 to 2003. A new species, Agaricus Brasiliens is Wasser et al. (= A. blazei Murrill ss. Heinem.), was proposed for the cultivated lineages in Brazil. Interactions among lineages, substrates, casing layers, and fructification inductions (temperature alternations) significantly increased the productivity of A. brasiliensis in Brazil (from 40 g to 200 g of fresh mushroom kg -1 moist compost). However, pests and diseases (mainly Sciaridae flies and false truffle), drastically reduced the productivity of A. brasiliensis (below 50 g kg -1). Biochemically for each mushroom species, the polar extracts, no polars, and medium polarity presented the same organic substances; however, their concentrations differed as a result of the lineages, maturation of the fruit bodies, and cultivation conditions. In this aspect, concentration of linoleic acid in A. brasiliensis (added to animal food) was related directly to the chemical protection against carcinogenic drugs in mice. Aqueous extracts of Lentinus edodes (= Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) and A. brasiliensis may be preventive chemical protectors against mutagenic and carcinogenic drugs, depending on the lineage and extraction method (tea or juice). However, immunomodulator effects and tumor reduction were only observed with concentrated fractions (hexanic, methanolic, and ATF extracts). Aqueous extracts of A. brasiliensis and L. edodes have antibiotic-like substances and substances able to act as elicitors of resistance responses in some plants (local and systemic) and show a potential to be used in the alternative control of plant pathogens. © 2005 by Begell House, Inc.

Effects of acetylsalicylic acid and acetic acid solutions in VX2 carcinoma cells. In vitro analysis

Purpose: To analyze, in vitro, the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and acetic acid solutions on VX2 carcinoma cells in suspension and to examine the correlation between these effects and neoplastic cell death. Methods: The VX2 tumor cells (107 cells/ml) were incubated in solutions containing differing concentrations (2.5% and 5%) of either acetylsalicylic acid or acetic acid, or in saline solution (controls). Every five minutes, cell viability was tested (using the trypan blue test) and analyzed under light microscopy. Results: Tumor cell viability (in %) decreased progressively and, by 30 minutes, neoplastic cell death had occurred in all solutions. Conclusion: Based on this experimental model and the methodology employed, we conclude that these solutions cause neoplastic cell death in vitro.

Immunomodulatory effects of low dose chemotherapy and perspectives of its combination with immunotherapy

Given that cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide, many efforts have been directed toward discovering new treatments and approaches to cure or control this group of diseases. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for cancer; however, a conventional schedule based on maximum tolerated dose (MTD) shows several side effects and frequently allows the development of drug resistance. On the other side, low dose chemotherapy involves antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory processes that help host to fight against tumor cells, with lower grade of side effects. In this review, we present evidence that metronomic chemotherapy, based on the frequent administration of low or intermediate doses of chemotherapeutics, can be better than or as efficient as MTD. Finally, we present some data indicating that noncytotoxic concentrations of antineoplastic agents are able to both up-regulate the immune system and increase the susceptibility of tumor cells to cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Taken together, data from the literature provides us with sufficient evidence that low concentrations of selected chemotherapeutic agents, rather than conventional high doses, should be evaluated in combination with immunotherapy. Copyright © 2012 UICC.

Genetic and non-genetic effects on calf vigor at birth and preweaning mortality in nellore calves

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the genetic and non-genetic effects that influencevigor at birth and preweaning mortality in Nellore calves. A total of 11,727 records of births that occurred between 1978 and 2006, offspring of 363 sires, were analyzed. Poor calf vigor at birth (VB) and preweaning mortality divided into stillbirth (SB), early mortality (EM) and total mortality (TM) were analyzed as binary variables. Generalized linear models were used for the evaluation of non-genetic effects and generalized linear mixed models for genetic effects (sire and animal models). The incidences were 4.75% for VB, 2.66% for SB, 5.28% for EM, and 7.99% for TM. Birth weight was the effect that most influenced the traits studied. Calves weighing less than 22kg(females) and less than 24kg (males) were at a higher risk of low vigor and preweaning mortality. Preweaning mortality was higher among calves born from cows aged .3 and .11 years at calving compared with cows aged 7 to 10 years. Male calves presented less vigor and higher preweaning mortality than female calves. Selection for postweaning weight did not influence preweaning mortality. The heritability estimates ranged between 0.01 and 0.09 for VB, 0.00 and 0.27 for SB, 0.03 and 0.17 for EM and 0.02 and 0.10 for TM. Stillbirth should be included as a selection criterion in breeding programs of Nellore cattle, alone or as part of a selection index, aiming to reduce preweaning mortality. © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia.

The effects of genistein and daidzein on cell proliferation kinetics in HT29 colon cancer cells: the expression of CTNNBIP1 (beta-catenin), APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) and BIRC5 (survivin)

Soybean isoflavonoids have received significant attention due to their potential anticarcinogenic and antiproliferative effects and possible role in many signal transduction pathways. However, their mechanisms of action and their molecular targets remain to be further elucidated. In this paper, we demonstrated that two soybean isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) reduced the proliferation of the human colon adenocarcinoma grade II cell line (HT-29) at concentrations of 25 and 50-100 mu M, respectively. We then investigated the effects of genistein and daidzein by RT-PCR on molecules that involved in tumor development and progression by their regulation of cell proliferation. At a concentration of 50 mu M genistein, there was suppressed expression of beta-catenin (CTNNBIP1). Neither genistein nor daidzein affected APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) or survivin (BIRC5) expression when cells were treated with concentrations of 10 or 50 mu M. These data suggest that the down-regulation of beta-catenin by genistein may constitute an important determinant of the suppression of HT-29 cell growth and may be exploited for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

Immunomodulatory effects of low dose chemotherapy and perspectives of combanation with immunotherapy

Nowadays cancer is one of the main causes of death and many efforts worldwide have been driven to find out new treatments and approaches in order to extinguish or reduce this group of disorder. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for cancer, however, conventional schedule based on maximum tolerated dose (MTD) show several side effects and frequently allow the development of drug resistance. In this review we present the evidence that metronomic chemotherapy, based on the frequent administration of low or intermediate doses of chemotherapeutics is as efficient as MTD and works better in some situations. Finally, we present some data indicating that noncytotoxic concentrations of antineoplastic agents are able to both up-regulate the immune system and increase the susceptibility of tumor cells to cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Taken together, data from the literature provide us the evidence that low concentrations of selected chemotherapeutics agents, rather than conventional high doses, should be chosen for combination with immunotherapy

Human dental enamel and dentin structural effects after Er:yag laser irradiation

Ideally projected to be applied on soft tissues, infrared lasers were improved by restorative dentistry to be used in hard dental tissues cavity preparations-namely enamel and dentin. This paper evidentiates the relevant aspects of infrared Erbium laser's action mechanism and its effects, and characterizes the different effects deriving from the laser's beams emission. The criteria for use and selection of optimal parameters for the correct application of laser systems and infuence of supporting factors on the process, such as water amount and its presence in the ablation process, protection exerted by the plasma shielding and structural factors, which are indispensable in dental tissues cavity preparation related to restorative technique, are subordinated to optical modifcations caused by the interaction of the energy dissipated by these laser light emission systems in the targeted tissue substrate. Clinical relevance: Differences in the action of infrared Erbium laser system in regard to the nature of the ablation process and variations on the morphological aspects observed in the super-fcial structure of the target tissue irradiated, may be correlated to the structural optical modifcations of the substrate produced by an interaction of the energy propagated by laser systems.

Effects of ropivacaine combined with morphine at 0.15 and 0.2 mg kg-1 in bitches undergoing epidural anesthesia

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Zeyheria montana Mart. (Bignoniaceae) as source of antioxidant and immunomodulatory compounds with beneficial effects on intestinal inflammation

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Effects of laparoscopy on the cardiorespiratory system of brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) anesthetized with ketamine/ xylazine/ midazolam combination and isoflurane

A laparoscopia ainda é pouco utilizada como ferramenta para técnicas de reprodução assistida em cervídeos sul-americanos, não havendo informações sobre seus efeitos e protocolos anestésicos seguros para sua realização. Objetivaramse avaliar as possíveis alterações na freqüência cardíaca (FC), respiratória (FR), saturação de oxihemoglobina (SpO2) e temperatura retal (TR) durante a laparoscopia para visualização dos órgãos reprodutivos de seis fêmeas de veado-catingueiro (Mazama gouazoubira) anestesiadas com a associação cetamina (5mg/kg), xilazina (0,3mg/kg), midazolam (0,5mg/kg) e isofluorano. Cada animal, após anestesiado, foi posicionado em decúbito dorsal para realização de duas laparoscopias com insuflação abdominal de CO2 (14,2 ± 2,39mmHg; M ± EPM) com intervalo de 40 dias. Para avaliar os principais eventos da laparoscopia, esta foi dividida em três períodos: animal sem insuflação abdominal (P1), com insuflação abdominal (P2) e insuflação abdominal com os quadris elevados a 45º (P3). O controle foi realizado após 40 dias da última laparoscopia, para isto, cada animal foi novamente anestesiado e mantido em decúbito dorsal por um período de tempo igual ao tempo médio de duração das anestesias realizadas nas laparoscopias, sem que o procedimento laparoscópico fosse realizado. O tempo de anestesia dos controles foi também dividido em P1, P2 e P3, respeitando o tempo médio de duração de cada um destes períodos das laparoscopias. Para análise dos dados foi usado o teste de análise de variância (ANOVA) seguido do teste de Tukey e valores de P<0,05 considerados significativos. Não houve diferença significativa nos parâmetros estudados em nenhum dos períodos estabelecidos para o controle e laparoscopia. Porém, a FR média entre P1 (38,8 ± 4,42) e P3 (32,7 ± 4,81) e a TR média entre P1 (38,2ºC ± 0,17), P2 (37,6ºC ± 0,19) e P3 (37,0ºC ± 0,21) variaram significativamente, independente da laparoscopia. Tais dados permitiram concluir que a laparoscopia não promoveu alterações significativas nos parâmetros avaliados, embora o protocolo anestésico utilizado tenha contribuído para redução da temperatura retal resultando em risco de hipotermia durante a anestesia.

Evaluating the microbicidal, antiparasitic and antitumor effects of CR-LAAO from Calloselasma rhodostoma venom

CR-LAAO is an l-amino acid oxidase from Calloselasma rhodostoma snake venom that has been broadly studied regarding its structural and biochemical characteristics, however, few studies have investigated its pharmacological effects. The present study aimed at the evaluation of the biotechnological potential of CR-LAAO by determining its bactericidal, antifungal, leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activity, as well as its cytotoxicity on human tumor and non-tumor cell lines. After 24h of preincubation, CR-LAAO showed bactericidal effects against both Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 0.78μg/mL) and Escherichia coli (MIC 31.25μg/mL) strains, inducing dismantle of bacterial cell walls. After 6h of preincubation with Candida albicans, CR-LAAO was able to inhibit 80% of the yeast growth, and it also showed cytotoxic activity on Leishmania species and Trypanosoma cruzi. Additionally, CR-LAAO showed high cytotoxicity on HepG2 and HL-60 tumor cells (IC50 10.78 and 1.7μg/mL), with lower effects on human mononuclear cells (PBMC). The cytotoxic effects of CR-LAAO were significantly inhibited in the presence of catalase, which suggests the involvement of hydrogen peroxide in its mechanisms of toxicity. Therefore, CR-LAAO showed promising pharmacological effects, and these results provide important information for the development of therapeutic strategies with directed action, such as more effective antimicrobial agents.

Environmental and grazing influence on spatial variability of intertidal biofilm on subtropical rocky shores

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