Protective effects of Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, in experimental periodontitis in rats

Objective: Periodontitis is a well-appreciated example of leukocyte-mediated bone loss and inflammation with pathogenic features similar to those observed in other inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis. Since Tacrolimus, is an immunomodulatory drug used for the treatment of some cases of arthritis, we hypothesized that it may modulate periodontal disease.Design: Using a murine model of ligature-induced periodontal disease, we assessed the effects of daily administrations of Tacrolimus (1 mg/kg body weight) on bone loss, enzymatic (myeloperoxidase) analysis, differential white blood cells counts, airpouch exudate and cytokine expression for 5-30 days.Results: Radiographic, enzymatic (myeloperoxidase) and histological analysis revealed that Tacrolimus reduced the severity of periodontitis. More specifically, Tacrolimus suppressed the expression of serum interleukin (IL-1 beta), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), IL-6, airpouch exudate PGE(2) and leukocytosis usually observed after the induction of periodontitis. Tacrolimus treatment in periodontitis-induced rats conferred protection against the inflammation-induced tissue and bone loss associated with periodontitis, through a mechanism involving IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6.Conclusions: the effects of Tacrolimus on periodontal disease pathogenesis may provide clues to a novel approach to host modulation therapy in destructive periodontal disease. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitation of malondialdehyde in gingival crevicular fluid by a high-performance liquid chromatography-based method

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

Correlation between Clinical/Radiographic Features and Inflammatory Cytokine Networks Produced by Macrophages Stimulated with Endodontic Content

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

Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of the pearl gland in Piper regnellii (Piperaceae)

Pearl glands are scattered throughout the lamina of developing leaves and rarely found on adult leaves of Piper regnellii (Piperaceae). The pearl gland is a bicellular secretory trichome composed of a short broad basal cell and a spatula-like, semiglobular apical cell. Four different stages of the pearl grand were determined during its ontogenesis: origin, pre-secretory, secretory and post-secretory. During the pre-secretory stage, mitochondria, ribosomes, dictyosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and plastids with electron dense inclusions were present in the cytoplasm of the apical cell. During the secretory stage, the most remarkable characteristics of the apical cell are the proliferation of dictyosomes and their vesicles, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and modified plastids. At this stage, electron-dense oil drops occur in the plastids as well as scattered within the cytoplasm, proteins and polysaccharides are seen in the plastids, vesicles, and vacuoles. Only polysaccharides are present in the periplasmic space, wall cavities, and on the surface of the apical cell. The polysaccharides are one of the main components of the mucilagenous exudate that covers the developing leaf structures. The apical cell of the senescing trichomes undergoes a progressive degeneration of its cellular components, the plastids being the first organelles to undergo lysis.

Coléteres dendróides em Alibertia sessilis (Vell.) K. Schum., uma espécie não-nodulada de Rubiaceae

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

Do extrafloral nectaries present a defensive role against herbivores in two species of the family Bignoniaceae in a Neotropical savannas?

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

Effects of Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis on bactericidal activity of macrophages against Salmonella Typhimurium

Propolis has been used in folk medicine since ancient times due to its, many biological properties: such as antimicrobial. antinflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory activities, among others. 'Macrophages play an important role in the early phase of Salmonella infection. In this work, macrophages were prestimated with Brazilian or Bulgarian propolis and subsequently challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium at different macrophage/bacteria ratio. After 60 min of incubation. cells were harvested with Triton-X to lyse the macrophages. To assess the bactericidal activity. The number of colony-forming units (CFU) of S. typhimurium was determined by plating 0.1 mL in 'Mueller Hinton agar. After 24 h. CFU were counted. and the percentage of bactericidal activity was obtained. Propolis from Brazil and Bulgaria enhanced the bactericidal activity of macrophages, depending on its concentration. Brazilian propolis seemed to be more efficient than that from Bulgaria. because of their different chemical composition. In Bulgaria, bees collect the material mainly from the bud exudate of poplar tree, while in Brazil, Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. was shown to be the main propolis source. Our data also showed that the increased bactericidal activity of macrophages involved the participation of oxygen (H2O2) and nitrogen (NO) intermediate metabolites. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of exogenous galectin-1 on leukocyte migration: modulation of cytokine levels and adhesion molecules

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

Phylogenetic signal and variation of visceral pigmentation in eight anuran families

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

Visceral pigmentation in four Dendropsophus species (Anura: Hylidae): Occurrence and comparison

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

Visceral Pigmentation in Three Species of the Genus Scinax (Anura: Hylidae): Distinct Morphological Pattern

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

Obstrução intestinal e enterotomia em tigre d’água (Trachemys dorbignyi)

Intestinal obstruction occurs in chelonian mainly due parasitism and foreign bodies, as stones and sand. An intestinal compaction was described in a five year-old male d'orbigny's slider which was taken to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the UNICASTELO, at Fernandopolis, SP, Brazil, presenting anorexia for a week, severe dehydration and stupor. Definitive diagnostic was performed by radiographic exam and great amount of intestinal radiopac substance was detected. The animal went through emergency celiotomy for removing the intestinal foreign bodies. Inhalatory anesthesia with isofluorane was used for anesthesia induction and manutention. After local antisepsy, a 4cm(2) oblique opening was conducted on plastron by using a vibratory saw. Peritoneum was cut, intestines exteriorized and enterotomy performed. During the surgery, the animal was radiographed to confirm the complete taken out of the foreign bodies. Mononylon 4-0 strand was applied for intestinal suture in two planes. The plastron piece that was taken out was replaced and set with epoxy resine and gaze on the surgical window, making it waterproof. In the postoperative time, animal was medicated with analgesics for two days and pentabiotics for five days. Oral creamy diet was used with oral tube from the second to tenth day, what provided a great clinicosurgical recovering.

A and B mode ultrasonography in preoperative evaluation of lens and posterior segment of dogs eyes with cataract

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

Eletroacupuntura no reparo do tendão calcanear comum em coelhos após enxertia com peritônio bovino

Avaliou-se o efeito da eletroacupuntura (EA) sobre os aspectos macroscópicos e microscópicos em 36 coelhos que tiveram o tendão calcanear comum seccionado e que, após 30 dias, receberam enxerto de peritônio bovino conservado em solução saturada de sal. Após a cirurgia, os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos de igual número: os do grupo E10 foram estimulados pela EA do segundo ao 11º dia de pós-operatório, os do grupo E20 do 11º ao 31º dia de pós-operatório e os do grupo C não foram estimulados. Posteriormente, os animais foram redistribuídos em três subgrupos de igual número, os quais foram observados no pós-operatório por 11, 31 e 91 dias. Nos coelhos do E10 e E20, ocorreu diminuição de aderência da área enxertada aos tecidos circunvizinhos. Aos 31 dias de pós-operatório, observou-se nos do E10 tecido conjuntivo. Verificou-se intensa neovascularização no local enxertado em todos os animais que receberam estímulo pela EA. Nos coelhos do E10, aos 91 dias, verificou-se intensa quantidade de tecido conjuntivo, com fibras colágenas organizadas e paralelas ao eixo do tendão. O estímulo pela EA na fase precoce do pós-operatório estimulou a maturação cicatricial com mínima reação inflamatória.

Effects of intraperitoneal injection of phenol, glycerin and acetic acid on neoplastic ascitis in guinea pigs

OBJETIVO: Investigar a ação hìstolítica de uma solução composta de fenol, glicerina e ácido acético na ascite neoplásica em cobaias. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas 32 cobaias, distribuídas por sorteio, em grupos experimentais e controles e estudados os efeitos da injeção peritonial da solução teste. Nos grupos controles empregou-se solução fisiológica. Foram estudadas alterações bioquímicas, anatomopatológicas (coração, pulmões, rins, baço e serosa peritonial), com 24 horas e 4 semanas de evolução. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que a solução E quando instilada na cavidade peritonial não provocou nenhuma alteração clinica, histologica ou laboratorial nestes animais, quando comparados com o grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO: Frente aos resultados obtidos, consideramos interessante estudar os efeitos da solução proposta em casos de ascite neoplásica experimental em animais, com posterior estudo em seres humanos.